Quincy Jones
Profile Summary: Quincy Jones
- Full Name: Quincy Delight Jones Jr.
- Birthdate: March 14, 1933
- Age: 91 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Mixed (African-American, English, Scottish, Welsh)
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Early Life & Family
Parents:
- Father: Quincy Delight Jones Sr., a baseball player.
- Mother: Sarah Frances Jones, who suffered from schizophrenia and was admitted to a mental hospital during Quincy’s childhood.
Siblings:
- Five siblings: Richard A. Jones , Jeanette Jones , Lloyd Jones , Waymond Miller , and Margie Jones.
Childhood:
- Grew up in Chicago before moving to Seattle with his family.
- His parents divorced when he was young due to his mother’s illness.
Education:
- Attended Garfield High School in Seattle, where he formed a band with fellow students.
- Won a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1951 but left early to pursue professional opportunities in music.
Career Highlights
Early Career:
- Began his career as a trumpeter and arranger for Lionel Hampton.
- Served as musical director for Dizzy Gillespie’s overseas band tour and later worked for Barclay Records in Paris.
Breakthrough Success:
- In 1959, led a band for the European production of Harold Arlen’s blues opera Free and Easy.
- Returned to New York to work as an executive with Mercury Records, eventually becoming one of the first African-American vice presidents of a major record label.
Film and Television Contributions:
- Composed scores for iconic films such as:
- In Cold Blood (1967)
- The Italian Job (1969)
- In the Heat of the Night (1968)
- Created music for TV shows like Ironside and Now You See It.
Collaborations with Michael Jackson:
- Produced the soundtrack for The Wiz (1978), starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.
- Collaborated with Jackson on the groundbreaking album Thriller (1982), which became the highest-selling album of all time, selling over 110 million copies.
Founding Qwest Productions:
- Established his own production company, Qwest Productions, in 1975.
- Arranged and produced albums for legendary artists like Frank Sinatra.
Notable Achievements:
- Received 80 Grammy Award nominations, winning 28 Grammys and earning the Grammy Legend Award in 1992.
Personal Life
Marriages and Relationships:
- Jeri Caldwell
- Married in 1957; divorced in 1966
- Daughter: Jolie Jones (Jazz Vocalist).
- Ulla Andersson
- Married in 1968; separated in 1974
- Children: Martina Jones (Model) and Quincy Jones III (Swedish Music Producer).
- Peggy Lipton
- Married in 1974; separated in 1990
- Children: Kidada Jones (Actress) and Rashida Jones (Actress).
- Other Notable Relationships:
- Carol Reynolds: Daughter, Rachel Jones
- Nastassja Kinski: Daughter, Kenya Julia Miambi Sarah Jones (b. 1993).
- Naomi Campbell: Dated from 2007 to 2011.
- Amber Rose: Dated in 2014.
- Ivanka Trump: Briefly dated, as mentioned in interviews.
Health Challenges:
- Survived a life-threatening brain aneurysm in 1974.
- Attended his memorial service arranged by friends and family, believing he would not survive.
Trivia/Fun Facts
- Born under the zodiac sign Pisces, symbolizing creativity, empathy, and adaptability.
- Known for his unparalleled influence in shaping modern music and bridging genres across jazz, pop, and film scores.
- His collaboration with Michael Jackson on Thriller revolutionized the music industry and remains a cultural milestone.
Legacy
Quincy Jones is a legendary figure in the world of music, renowned for his versatility as a record producer, composer, and musician. With an illustrious career spanning over seven decades, he has left an indelible mark on both the music and film industries. From producing the highest-selling album of all time (Thriller ) to composing iconic film scores, Quincy’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including 28 Grammys and a Grammy Legend Award. Beyond his professional achievements, his personal life reflects resilience and adaptability, overcoming challenges like a near-fatal brain aneurysm and navigating multiple relationships. As a trailblazer for African Americans in Hollywood, Quincy Jones continues to inspire generations of artists and remains a living legend in the entertainment world. 🌟🎶✨
