The music world recently lost a titan of its realm: Quincy Jones Jr. The storied producer passed away on Sunday Nov. 3, 2024, in Los Angeles. Jones changed the landscape of the music industry through his ability to turn songs into stories. VALLEY reflects on his life–and legacy–of pioneering music and activism.
“This moment, this evening, this spot where I stand tonight was not my destination when I was young and full of vinegar. I did not engineer this journey. To tell you the truth, I don’t think I could even see this far”
Jones, while accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 67th Oscars.
Career and Influence
Jones got his start in music as a jazz trumpeter, but he mastered genres like R&B and Pop music as well. He and his work influenced modern music and modern artists alike.
“Quincy Jones, my idol – the reason why I make music.”
The Weekend
Throughout his career, Jones produced and composed for stars like Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra and Céline Dion. Most notably, he produced three of Michael Jackson’s most successful albums, including “Off the Wall”(1979), “Thriller”(1982) and “Bad”(1987).
The influence of Jones and his work can be felt beyond the world of music. Morgan Freeman, the distinguished actor, took to X saying,
“Today, we say goodbye to the legendary Quincy Jones—a musical giant whose genius reshaped our world and left an enduring legacy. Rest well, Quincy.”
Morgan Freeman
The mark Jones left of the music world cannot be understated. Through his over 70-year career, Jones compiled 28 Grammy awards while being nominated for more than 70. He is an EGOT award winner, one of 26 people to achieve all four of the major awards in entertainment.
A life of activism
Jones said, “It’s nice to feel important. I think maybe a bit more important to be nice.” An ideology that Jones carried throughout his life.
Not only was Jones a pioneering musician, he was also a champion for civil rights and humanitarian issues.
“Civil rights work and political involvement was no longer an activity to do on the side, it became an essential part of life and humanity,”
Jones worked with the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie Robinson in the 1960s. He and his band provided musical fundraisers for the activists, and often cited King Jr as his inspiration for activism.
Jones was a voice for civil rights, a voice for justice and a voice for love and creativity.
“We all have creative potential and we all deserve to realize it; it’s only a matter of whether or not we allow ourselves to fulfill it,” he said.
Rashida Jones, Jones’s daughter, said “All of his work was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy.”
Let us know your favorite Quincy Jones Jr. project on X.com @VALLEYmag and all other social media platforms.
