Quincy Jones, the musical genius whose influence stretched across genres and generations, passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home on November 3, at age 91. Known for his unparalleled achievements in music, film, and television, Jones leaves behind not just a legacy of groundbreaking productions but also a close-knit family who filled his final days with love and joy.
Just days before his passing, Jones posted a heartfelt message on Instagram to celebrate the birthday of his daughter, Martina, who turned 58 on November 1. The post featured a tender photo of Jones with Martina, both beaming with unmistakable warmth. “Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena @martinafotos1!! 🎉 So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally 🫶🏾💜,” he captioned the image, a simple yet profound expression of his boundless love for his daughter. Martina is one of Jones’ seven children, whom he cherished deeply, each representing a unique chapter in his life.
Jones’ devotion to his family was central to his life, especially in his later years. His children — Jolie, 69, Rachel, 59, Quincy III, 55, Kidada, 50, Rashida, 48, and Kenya, 31 — gathered around him as he took his final breath. In a heartfelt statement, the family shared, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. Although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
A father, grandfather, and music industry titan, Jones often spoke about how fatherhood changed him. In a 2018 Father’s Day post, he reflected on the lessons he’d learned from his own father, Quincy Delight Jones Sr., whose resilience during the Great Depression inspired him deeply. “Never underestimate your role in your kid’s lives,” Jones wrote. “It’s up to you to create the type of relationship you want to have with your kid, & it’s never too late to start!” Those words held weight for a man who had spent decades redefining the soundscape of music while remaining a dedicated father to his children and grandfather to his three grandchildren, including Isaiah Jones Koenig and Quincy Renzo Delight Jones IV.
Born in Chicago on March 14, 1933, Quincy Jones’ career began in the jazz clubs where he played trumpet for legends like Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie. Yet it was as a producer and arranger that he achieved legendary status, shaping the soundtracks of our lives. From Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin to Paul Simon, his touch elevated every project he took on. His work with Michael Jackson on albums like Thriller and Bad set records, revolutionizing pop music and inspiring generations of musicians.
One of his most famous productions, Jackson’s “Beat It,” featured the now-iconic guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, a testament to Jones’ vision and ability to blend artists and sounds that transcended genre boundaries.
As the world mourns his passing, his family, friends, and fans are reminded of his lasting impact — not only as a musical icon but as a father and friend who lived with love and passion. Quincy Jones’ life was one of continual reinvention, dedication, and warmth. While he may no longer be with us, his influence remains woven into the fabric of music and the lives he touched so deeply.
