50 Facts About Quincy Jones

Early Life and Beginnings

Quincy Jones's journey to becoming a music legend started with humble beginnings and a passion for music that ignited at a young age.

1. Quincy Jones was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Quincy Delight Jones Sr. and Mary Elaine Jones.
2. His father was a carpenter and a boxer, while his mother worked as a bank teller.
3. The family moved to Bremerton, Washington, where Jones grew up and developed a passion for music.
4. Jones began playing the trumpet at the age of 13, inspired by his teenage friend Ray Charles.

Early Career and Education

Jones's early career was marked by significant milestones that set the stage for his future success.

5. In the 1950s, Jones played in various bands, including those led by Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie.
6. He worked as a freelance arranger for many jazz sessions, showcasing his talent for musical arrangement.
7. Jones studied briefly at the prestigious Schillinger House (now Berklee College of Music) in Boston.
8. He toured with Lionel Hampton as a trumpeter and arranger, gaining valuable experience in the music industry.

European Adventures and Financial Struggles

Jones's time in Europe was both a period of artistic growth and financial challenges.

9. During the 1950s, Jones toured Europe with several jazz orchestras, including a European tour that closed in Paris in February 1960.
10. In Paris, Jones formed his big band, the Jones Boys, with 18 musicians.
11. Despite enthusiastic audiences and sparkling reviews, poor budget planning led to the band's dissolution, leaving Jones in a financial crisis.

Breakthroughs and Collaborations

Jones's collaborations with legendary artists helped shape the sound of jazz and pop music.

12. Jones worked as an arranger and conductor for several collaborations between jazz artists like Frank Sinatra and Count Basie.
13. His arrangements for these legends helped shape the sound of jazz and pop music.
14. In 1961, Jones became the first African American to hold an executive position at a major record label when he was appointed vice president of Mercury Records.
15. As an artists-and-repertoire (A&R) director for Mercury Records, Jones discovered and nurtured new talent.

Film Scores and Health Challenges

Jones's work in film scoring and his battle with health issues demonstrated his resilience and versatility.

16. In the mid-1960s, Jones began composing music for films, including "The Pawnbroker" (1964), "In the Heat of the Night" (1967), and "In Cold Blood" (1967).
17. In 1974, Jones suffered two brain aneurysms that almost took his life.
18. After a rigorous surgery and long recovery process, doctors advised him to avoid playing the trumpet to reduce the risk of another aneurysm.

Qwest Productions and Iconic Projects

Jones's founding of Qwest Productions marked a new chapter in his career, leading to iconic projects.

19. In 1975, Jones founded Qwest Productions, which arranged and produced hugely successful albums by Frank Sinatra and other major pop figures.
20. In 1978, Jones produced the soundtrack for the musical adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," "The Wiz," starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.
21. In 1982, Jones produced Michael Jackson’s all-time best-selling album, "Thriller," which became a cultural phenomenon and revolutionized pop music.
22. In 1985, Jones used his clout among major American recording artists to record the much-celebrated anthem "We Are the World" to raise money for victims of famine in Ethiopia.

Television Success and Business Ventures

Jones's influence extended beyond music into television and business ventures.

23. In 1990, Jones formed Quincy Jones Entertainment (QJE) in partnership with Time Warner.
24. The company signed a 10-picture deal with Warner Bros. and a two-series deal with NBC Productions (now Universal Television).
25. Jones produced the successful television series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which launched the acting career of Will Smith.
26. Although producers of "In the House" rejected its early concept stages, Jones continued to produce successful shows like "In the House" for UPN and "Madtv" for FOX.

Memorable Moments and Near-Misses

Jones's life was filled with memorable moments and close calls that shaped his perspective.

27. Jones composed the theme song for the classic sitcom "Sanford and Son," titled "The Streetbeater."
28. Jones received an Emmy Award for the theme music he wrote for the television miniseries "Roots" in 1977.
29. In 1992, Jones received a Grammy Legend Award for his contributions to the music industry.
30. In 2013, Jones was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant impact on rock and roll music.

Awards and Honors

Jones's career was decorated with numerous awards and honors, reflecting his immense contributions to the arts.

31. In 2001, Jones received a Kennedy Center Honor for his contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
32. In 2010, Jones received the National Medal of Arts, one of the highest honors given to artists and patrons of the arts by the U.S. government.
33. In 1968, Jones became the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "The Eyes of Love" from the film "Diamonds Are Forever".
34. Throughout his career, Jones produced over 50 films and television shows, including "In the Heat of the Night," "The Color Purple," and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air".

Philanthropy and Legacy

Jones's philanthropic efforts and enduring legacy continue to inspire future generations.

35. Jones introduced the public to two then-unknown performers, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg, through his production of "The Color Purple".
36. In 1993, Jones founded the magazine Vibe, which he sold in 2006.
37. Vibe became a prominent voice in hip-hop culture and music journalism.
38. Jones’s work on behalf of social causes has spanned his career.
39. He used his clout to record "We Are the World" and founded the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation, which built more than 100 homes in South Africa in 2001.
40. The Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation also sponsors an intercultural exchange between teens in Los Angeles and South Africa.

Personal Insights and Controversies

Jones's candid views and personal experiences added depth to his public persona.

41. It is reported that Jones had 19 mobile phones carried by his security guard, reflecting his influential status and the need for constant communication.
42. Jones voiced strong views about some of the people he worked with over the years.
43. He called Elvis a racist and said The Beatles were "the worst musicians in the world" yet "celebrities wanted him to have their number".
44. Despite his critical views, Jones’s musical approval mattered, and celebrities sought his endorsement and collaboration.

Iconic Collaborations and Cultural Impact

Jones's collaborations with iconic artists and his cultural impact are undeniable.

45. Jones first worked with Frank Sinatra in 1958 when he was hired to conduct Sinatra's band by none other than Grace Kelly.
46. His arrangement of "Fly Me to the Moon," which he changed from a waltz to a swing rhythm, was chosen by Buzz Aldrin to play during the first moon landing.
47. There has been ongoing debate about whether Buzz Aldrin’s story about playing "Fly Me to the Moon" during the moon landing is actually true.
48. Jones himself expressed his surprise and skepticism about the claim.
49. Jones narrowly avoided being killed by Charles Manson's cult in 1969.
50. He had planned to attend a dinner party at Sharon Tate’s house on the night of the murders but forgot at the last minute.

Quincy Jones: A Legacy of Excellence

Quincy Jones's impact on music and entertainment is undeniable. From his early days playing the trumpet to producing Michael Jackson's "Thriller," Jones's career has been nothing short of legendary. He broke barriers as the first African American executive at a major record label and composed iconic film scores. His work on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "We Are the World" showcased his versatility and commitment to social causes. Jones's numerous awards, including 28 Grammys and a Kennedy Center Honor, highlight his contributions to the arts. His influence extends beyond music, touching lives through philanthropy and cultural exchange programs. Quincy Jones's legacy will continue to inspire future generations, proving that his genius and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world.