Quincy Jones Dead at 91: Grammy-Winning Record Producer Was ‘One of a Kind’ and Lived a ‘Great Life’

Legendary Grammy-winning producer Quincy Jones has died. He was 91.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” his family said in a statement to the Associated Press. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

“He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created,” the statement continued. “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, told People that Jones died on Sunday, November 3, surrounded by his family.

A pioneer in the music world, Quincy’s career spanned more than seven decades and helped produce some of the biggest hits for artists like Frank Sinatra. Some of his greatest musical collaborations came with Michael Jackson, as a producer of 1979’s Off the Wall, 1982’s Thriller and 1987’s Bad.

“Everything was something to be proud of — absolutely. It’s been an amazing contrast of genres,” Quincy told Vulture of his musical innovations in February 2018. “Since I was very young, I’ve played all kinds of music: bar mitzvah music, Sousa marches, strip-club music, jazz, pop. Everything. I didn’t have to learn a thing to do Michael Jackson.”

Quincy is survived by his seven children, Rashida Jones, Kidada Jones, Kenya Kinski-Jones, Quincy Jones III, Jolie Jones Levine, Martina Jones and Rachel Jones, as well as grandkids Isaiah Jones Koenig, Quincy Renzo Delight Jones IV and Nea Jones.

Tributes poured in on social media for the late music icon.

“I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a discription loosely used but Rarely deserved. Point blank, Quincy was the MAN. I won my 1st Grammy with Quincy and I live with his Wisdom daily. My condolences go out to his family who I had the honor of meeting. This one Hit me. God bless you KING,” rapper Ice T wrote on X on Monday, November 4.

“There isn’t a genre that Quincy Jones has NOT touched or impacted. The greatest producer of all time. And NO ONE is close,” another person wrote in a tribute on X.

In his final Instagram post before his death, Quincy shared a birthday tribute to daughter Martina.

“Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena @martinafotos1!! ?. So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally,” he wrote alongside a photo with his child on Instagram.