Quincy Jones, famous American trumpeter and producer, has died

He produced Michael Jackson’s landmark album “Thriller,” wrote award-winning film and television scores, and collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other artists. The famous American producer and illustrious trumpeter Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91, the Associated Press (AP) revealed on Monday.

His press secretary, Arnold Robinson, said he died Sunday evening at his home in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, without specifying the cause of his death.

“Tonight, with heavy but broken hearts, we must announce the passing of our father and brother Quincy Jones,” the family said in a statement. “And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the beautiful life he lived and know there will never be another like him.” »

An international career

Born March 14, 1933 in the slums of Chicago, he rose to prominence in the 1950s as an arranger for stars such as Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, Count Basie and legend Ray Charles. He played second trumpet on Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” and teamed with Dizzy Gillespie for several years before moving to Paris in 1957, where he studied with famed composer Nadia Boulanger.

He also composed the soundtracks for “Roots” and “In the Heat of the Night,” hosted President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration and oversaw the recording of “We Are the World,” the charity record from 1985 intended to fight against famine in Africa, one of the best-selling 45s in history, with more than 20 million copies sold.

Quincy Jones also established himself in Hollywood, where he composed music for films and television shows. While composing his own hits, like “Soul Bossa Nova,” he arranged at a breakneck pace for dozens of industry stars. But he is also best known as the producer of Michael Jackson’s albums “Off the Wall”, “Thriller” and “Bad”.

The American star, who has participated in more than 400 records, won 28 Grammy Awards during his lifetime, including two honorary ones, recalls AP. He also received the Legion of Honor from France, the Rudolph Valentino Prize from the Italian Republic, and a tribute from the Kennedy Center for his contributions to American culture.

The famous American producer has also hobnobbed with foreign presidents and leaders, movie stars and musicians, philanthropists and business leaders.