Quincy Jones: From Thriller and Frank Sinatra, to classic film and TV themes – his top collaborations
Quincy Jones, one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, was a titan of the music industry who worked with many of the world’s biggest stars.
He produced and collaborated with hundreds of recording artists during his seven-decade career, and kept company with presidents and foreign leaders, movie stars and musicians, philanthropists and business leaders.
His genius was recognised with 28 Grammys and an Oscar.
Following his death aged 91, we have a look at some of his most notable collaborations.
Michael Jackson
Jones helped turn Michael Jackson from a child star into the King of Pop – producing his record-breaking Thriller album, as well as Off The Wall and Bad.
Near-universal in their style and appeal, classic tracks including Billie Jean and Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough still get frequent radio plays four decades after their release.
Jones and Jackson worked together for decades, with Thriller selling more than 20 million copies in 1983 alone, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Frank Sinatra
Crooner Frank Sinatra was so close to Jones – who he nicknamed “Q” – he left him his ring, bearing his family crest, after his death.
Jones’s version of Sinatra’s ageless track Fly Me To The Moon – set to a punchy, swinging rhythm and soulful flute – has become the most well-known version of the song.
It’s so popular that it was played on the moon during the 1968 moon landing, according to astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
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Ray Charles
As a teenager, Jones – who had learned how to play the trumpet – became friends with a young Ray Charles.
Jones cited the blind musician’s ability to overcome adversity as one of his inspirations to succeed in the music business. They went on to become life-long friends.
Jones produced most of Charles’s 1961 album Genius + Soul = Jazz, and composed his hit In The Heat Of The Night.
Singer Ray Charles, left, accepts his Hall of Fame award from presenter Quincy Jones at the NAACP Image Awards in March 2004. Pic: AP/Mark J. Terrill
Lionel Richie
In 1985, along with Lionel Richie, Jones organised We Are The World – a record to raise money for fighting famine in Ethiopia – and one of the biggest hit songs of its time.
The all-star chorus featured Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen and Smokey Robinson.
Jones – who Richie dubbed “the master orchestrator” – set the tone for the recording session with a sign that said: “Leave your ego at the door.”
(L-R) Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Jones, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1986. Pic: AP
From Austin Powers to The Fresh Prince
Jones composed soundtracks for more than 50 films and TV programmes.
His film scores included In The Heat Of The Night, The Color Purple and The Italian Job.
His TV theme music spanned shows including Sanford And Son, Ironside and an early version of the catchy theme to The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.
And special mention has to go to the endlessly catchy Soul Bossa Nova – composed and first performed by Jones in 1962. It has gone on to feature in numerous TV shows and movies – most recognisably as the Austin Powers theme tune.
