If anyone deserves to be remembered as the GOAT (greatest of all time) in music, it is definitely Quincy Jones. Passed away at 91 in Los Angeles, he lived a full and extraordinary life.
The world of jazz and black music is full of noble titles: there are Kings, Queens and Professors, but ‘Q’ was the greatest. He was the only one capable of uniting past, present and future with an incredible aura of infallibility. Initially he aspired to be a trumpet player, but after his first engagement with Lionel Hampton’s orchestra he realized that his true talent lay in writing scores and arrangements.
“Too many notes,” Sinatra told Quincy, looking at his score. From that moment, Quincy began to collaborate with big names such as Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and Dizzy Gillespie. His decision to study composition in Paris with Nadine Boulanger marked a turning point in his career.
The collaboration with Michael Jackson is one of the highlights of his career. The trilogy composed of Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad sold over 200 million copies, becoming fundamental for the history of pop. Quincy stated:
“In Black Music there are giants like Marvin Gaye or Al Green, but Michael is magic.” His work has spanned a variety of musical genres, from jazz to pop to film. He has created memorable projects such as We Are The World and collaborated with artists such as Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald.
After battling serious health challenges, including a brain aneurysm and stroke, Quincy has continued to inspire generations. The documentary Quincy, available on Netflix, explores his life of experiences. His work ethic has influenced many contemporary artists:
“I was inspired by him to combine hip hop and jazz,” says rapper Kendrick Lamar. Quincy Jones will forever remain a legendary figure in the music scene. His ability to blend different styles and genres will continue to influence musicians around the world. Not even death can erase the legacy left by this extraordinary artist.
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