Quincy Jones, a music production legend, and entertainment pioneer have passed away at the age of 91. He was a multi-talented musician who collaborated with industry giants such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Will Smith.

Arnold Robinson, Jones’ publicist, confirmed his passing on Sunday evening at his residence in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, where he was surrounded by his loved ones. His family shared a heartfelt message expressing their profound sorrow at his loss while celebrating the extraordinary life he led.

In the 1980s, Jones was considered one of the most versatile figures of pop culture in the 20th century. He gained widespread recognition for producing Michael Jackson’s iconic albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad,” which solidified the singer as the most successful pop star of all time. Jones also composed music for a diverse array of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Donna Summer.

He was also a prolific film composer, having worked on dozens of scores that achieved chart success. Jones was a talented multi-instrumentalist, excelling on trumpet and piano, and led a big band jazz ensemble as well as arranging music for jazz luminaries like Count Basie. His television and film production company, established in 1990, produced hit shows such as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and received widespread acclaim. Even in his later years, Jones continued to innovate, launching Qwest TV in 2017, an on-demand music TV service.

Jones’s accolades include 28 Grammy Awards, making him the third most-awarded recipient in history. He received numerous nominations over the years, with 80 from the Grammys and 88 from Beyoncé and Jay-Z, putting him in esteemed company.

Celebrities and industry figures paid tribute to Jones following his passing, with actor Michael Caine acknowledging him as a musical titan. Playwright Jeremy O Harris praised Jones for his endless contributions to American culture, highlighting the limitless potential he inspired in others.

Born in Chicago, Jones was introduced to music at a young age through his mother’s singing and his neighbor’s piano playing. He honed his skills on a variety of instruments during his high school years in Washington state, performing in local venues and collaborating with future legends such as Ray Charles and Billie Holiday.

His musical education continued in Boston before he moved to New York and joined jazz bandleader Lionel Hampton’s ensemble. Jones traveled extensively in Europe during the 1950s, where he met influential figures in the arts and music scenes. His early struggles in the industry were overcome through hard work and determination, leading to successful collaborations with renowned artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington.

Jones’s partnership with Frank Sinatra in the late 1950s marked a turning point in his career, leading to a fruitful collaboration that lasted until Sinatra’s final album in 1984. Jones’s own solo musical career flourished during this time, recording albums with esteemed jazz musicians and delving into various genres such as funk and disco.

His collaboration with Michael Jackson on the groundbreaking album “Thriller” solidified his status as a musical genius, with Jones contributing to its massive success. They also worked on projects such as “We Are the World,” a charity single that raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Jones’s contributions to film and television production were equally remarkable, with hits like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” launching the career of actor Will Smith. He founded Quincy Jones Entertainment in 1990 and collaborated with various media outlets to promote black music and culture.

Throughout his career, Jones supported numerous charities and causes, including the NAACP and the Jazz Foundation of America. He mentored young musicians and continued to inspire others with his talent and generosity. Despite facing challenges in his personal life, Jones remained resilient and dedicated to his craft.

Jones’s passing marks the end of an era in American entertainment, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. His influence on music, film, and television is immeasurable, and his memory will be cherished by fans and industry peers alike. Quincy Jones will always be remembered as a masterful musician, a visionary producer, and a true icon of the entertainment world. May he rest in power.