Heartbreaking news to share, I Love Old School Music family…music icon, Quincy Jones, has passed away at the age of 91. According to his publicist, Arnold Robinson, Jones died peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family.

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

Quincy Jones is survived by his children: Rashida, Kidada, Kenya, Quincy III, Jolie, Martina, and Rachel. He also leaves behind grandchildren, including Isaiah, Quincy IV, and Nea. Quincy Jones is also the godfather of Al B Sure’s son (and Diddy’s stepson) –actor/musician Quincy Brown– who was named after the iconic producer.

Quincy Jones stands as the second most-awarded artist in Grammy history, with an impressive 28 wins and an unmatched 80 nominations since 1961. His Grammy achievements include three Producer of the Year awards and two honors each for Album and Song of the Year.

In 1974, at just 41, Jones faced a life-threatening brain aneurysm. After undergoing one critical surgery, doctors discovered a second aneurysm on the verge of rupturing, prompting another high-risk procedure. His survival odds were just one in a hundred, but he overcame the challenge.

When he was just 14, Quincy Jones left the home of his ab*sive stepmother, who, he later shared with GQ, didn’t call him by his name until he was 57. To escape, he lied about his age to join the National Guard, where he encountered harsh racism. During this time, he survived a horrific accident on the way to a rodeo in Yakima, which left him deeply shaken and as the sole survivor. The experience led to a lifelong aversion to driving.

Hailing from Chicago, Quincy Jones initially gained recognition as a trumpet player in bands led by jazz legends like Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie. As a prolific producer and arranger, he played a crucial role in the success of many musical icons, including Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin. Notably, he produced Jackson’s 1982 classic “Beat It,” enlisting the late Eddie Van Halen for the unforgettable guitar solo. His 1974 album Body Heat reached number six on the Billboard 200, contributing to his impressive discography of hits and Top 20 albums.

Quincy Jones’ incredible impact within the music industry, as well as the beautiful memories he’s created for us all through his work, will never be forgotten, nor taken for granted by his millions of fans worldwide. Mr. Jones, rest in peace and power for eternity, after a remarkable job well done here on earth. 💔