Quincy Jones Dies at 91: Legendary ‘Thriller’ Producer Shaped Modern Music

Visionary producer behind Michael Jackson’s historic albums passes away in Los Angeles

Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer whose career spanned seven decades and included landmark collaborations with Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, has died aged 91.

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that Jones passed away on Sunday surrounded by family at his Los Angeles home.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’s passing. 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,” the family said in a statement.

A Legacy of Musical Innovation

Jones’s remarkable career earned him 28 Grammy awards from 80 nominations, making him one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history.

His groundbreaking work included:

• Producing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (1982) – over 70 million copies sold worldwide
• Arranging Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” – played during the Apollo 11 moon landing
• Overseeing the historic “We Are the World” charity recording (1985)
• Composing the soundtrack for “The Italian Job” (1969)

Breaking Barriers in the Music Industry

As one of the first Black executives at a major record label (Mercury Records), Jones broke significant racial barriers in the music industry.

His collaboration with Michael Jackson produced three historic albums: “Off the Wall” (1979), “Thriller” (1982), and “Bad” (1987).

Career Milestones 1933: Born in Chicago 1974: Survived near-fatal brain aneurysm 1979: Produced “Off the Wall” 1982: Produced “Thriller” 1985: Produced “We Are the World”

Personal Legacy

Jones is survived by his seven children, including music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, known for “Parks And Recreation” and the US version of “The Office”.

Career Achievements

• 28 Grammy Awards
• 80 Grammy nominations
• Named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine
• Produced the best-selling album of all time

The family’s statement concluded: “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”