Quincy Jones (March 14, 1933 – November 3, 2024) was an American composer, arranger, and producer known for his influential work in jazz, film scores, and instrumental music. A gifted trumpeter and pianist, he started his career as an arranger for Lionel Hampton before working with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Jones became a leading big band arranger, recording acclaimed instrumental albums such as “The Birth of a Band!” (1959) and “Walking in Space” (1969). His fusion of jazz, funk, and orchestral sounds was groundbreaking, with albums like “Smackwater Jack” (1971) showcasing his signature blend of jazz, soul, and cinematic influences.
Jones also composed numerous film scores, including “The Pawnbroker” (1964), “In the Heat of the Night” (1967) and “The Italian Job” (1969), bringing jazz elements into Hollywood soundtracks.
Though widely known for producing Michael Jackson’s records, his instrumental music remains a defining part of his legacy. Albums like “Big Band Bossa Nova” (1962) introduced Brazilian rhythms to a global audience, influencing generations of musicians.
With over 80 Grammy nominations, Jones remains one of the most celebrated figures in music history, known for his innovative approach to jazz and orchestration.
11 recordings by Quincy Jones you can hear on Instrumentals Forever:
Django • Golden Boy • Hard Day’s Night • Seaweed • Soul Bossanova • Soul Serande • Theme from ‘Golden Boy’ (Big Band Version) • Theme from ‘Golden Boy’ (String Version) • The Midnight Sun Will Never Set • The Sidewinder • The Witching Hour •
