Quincy Jones, born on the south side of Chicago, discovered his passion for music during his elementary school years. Experimenting with various instruments in his school band, he eventually found his calling with the trumpet. In his early teens, Quincy met Ray Charles. Together, they formed a group and began performing at small club venues and weddings.
At the age of 18, Quincy received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston. However, he abandoned his studies when he received an offer to tour with bandleader Lionel Hampton. Settling in New York City, Quincy spent the 1950s writing charts for esteemed musicians such as Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, Cannonball Adderley, and his old friend Ray Charles.
In 1957, Quincy relocated to Paris to study composition, further honing his musical talents. Upon returning to New York, he took on the role of music director and in 1964, Quincy made history as the first African American vice president of Mercury Records, breaking barriers in the industry.
His collaboration with Michael Jackson on the albums “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” catapulted both artists to unprecedented fame. “Thriller” remains the best-selling album in the history of music, with over 120 million copies sold worldwide.
In 1985, Quincy made his debut as a filmmaker by co-producing Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple,” a critically acclaimed film that garnered 11 Oscar nominations and introduced talents like Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey to a wider audience.
With an impressive 80 Grammy nominations and 28 awards, Quincy Jones holds the record for the most nominated Grammy artist. Additionally, he has received an Emmy Award, and seven Oscar nominations. In 2013, Quincy was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
HELLA INSPIRED.
