As the man behind some of music's most memorable hits. Quincy Jones was one of the most grammy nominated artists of all time. When you do what you love, it's not work. Quincy Delight Jones Jr on the south side of Chicago. In 1933 Jones found his passion for music when his family moved to Seattle in the late 40 S, Jones took *** job with the Lionel Hampton band as its trumpet player. He worked steadily with musical greats like Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington and his friend Ray Charles. We didn't think about money or fame. During the 60 S, Jones began writing film scores for movies such as the pawnbroker in Cold Blood and in the heat of the night, he even crafted iconic themes for the TV. Shows Ironside in Stamford inside the in demand musician even arranged and conducted his friend Frank Sinatra's second album with Count Basie. It might as well be swing. The 1964 album included Old Blue Eyes hit song Fly Me To the Moon to the Moon and we have the best time. It's like being on another planet with him. Frank would say live every day like it the last and one day you'll be right. Jones suffered two brain aneurysms in 1974 that nearly took his life. He recovered and went right back to work. He produced albums for Aretha Franklin George Benson and Michael Jackson's first solo effort off the Wall. In 1979 Jones, successful collaboration with MJ also led to Thriller in 1982. It became the best selling album of all time. The dynamic duo teamed up again in 1985 with We are the world. I like to think about the studio as *** place that's real sacred. You know, where magical things happen. Hopefully, you know, that's what great records are supposed to be about. He produced his first film, the color Purple. In 1985 the drama earned 11 Oscar nominations including Best Picture Q as his friends called him. Seemed to always have *** good idea. He created Quincy Jones Entertainment in 1990 the following year, he produced the Fresh Prince of Bel Air TV series starring rapper turned actor Will Smith. Now this is *** story about how my life got flip turned up. You never think of retiring, do you never, when you're retired, you travel and you do what you like to do and I'm already doing it in early 2013. The rock and roll Hall of Fame honored Q for his exemplary contributions to music. I work with every major artist in the world, in the last 60 years. It's *** blessing, man. It is. You have to take the light part of your life, you know, wipe out the darkness.
Legendary musician, composer and producer Quincy Jones died from pancreatic cancer, according to his death certificate.The document, a copy of which was obtained by CNN on Wednesday, listed no other contributing factors to Jones' death but noted that he had been living with cancer for years.Jones died on Nov. 3 at the age of 91.The music icon was laid to rest in a private ceremony earlier this week, and a larger memorial is being planned, according to the Associated Press.Jones, who worked with everyone from Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, died at his home in Bel Air, California, surrounded by his children, siblings and other family members, his publicist told CNN in a statement earlier this month.CNN has reached out to the family for further comment.A renowned jazz and pop musician, Jones was also a prolific cross-genre arranger, conductor, record label executive and civil rights advocate.Days after his death, his daughter Rashida Jones paid tribute to him on social media.The "Parks and Recreation" actress remembered her father as an icon, a "culture shifter," and a "genius," writing that these superlatives are "all accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love."CNN's Lisa Respers France and Alli Rosenbloom contributed to this report.
Legendary musician, composer and producer Quincy Jones died from pancreatic cancer, according to his death certificate.
The document, a copy of which was obtained by CNN on Wednesday, listed no other contributing factors to Jones' death but noted that he had been living with cancer for years.
Jones died on Nov. 3 at the age of 91.
The music icon was laid to rest in a private ceremony earlier this week, and a larger memorial is being planned, according to the Associated Press.
Jones, who worked with everyone from Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, died at his home in Bel Air, California, surrounded by his children, siblings and other family members, his publicist told CNN in a statement earlier this month.
CNN has reached out to the family for further comment.
A renowned jazz and pop musician , Jones was also a prolific cross-genre arranger, conductor, record label executive and civil rights advocate.
Days after his death, his daughter Rashida Jones paid tribute to him on social media.
The "Parks and Recreation" actress remembered her father as an icon, a "culture shifter," and a "genius," writing that these superlatives are "all accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love."
CNN's Lisa Respers France and Alli Rosenbloom contributed to this report.
