Quincy Jones, the renowned music producer and composer known for his work with Michael Jackson and contributions to jazz, pop, and film music, died on Sunday at his home in Bel Air, California. He was 91.
Jones, born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, developed a passion for music early in life and went on to study with jazz musicians like Lionel Hampton and Count Basie. By the 1950s, he was arranging for artists including Ray Charles and Sarah Vaughan.
In the 1970s, Jones shifted from jazz to film scoring and record production. He gained wide recognition for producing Michael Jackson’s albums Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). Thriller became the best-selling album in history.
Jones also organized the 1985 charity single We Are the World, which raised millions for humanitarian aid.