djfrosty

04 Nov 2024

John Oliver Tearfully Pleads With Viewers To Vote For Kamala Harris

HipHopWired Featured Video

Sesame Workshop 2024 Benefit Gala

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver concluded its Sunday (November 3) broadcast by reminding viewers that it was the show’s final episode ahead of Election Day this coming Tuesday. In an impassioned and tearful plea, John Oliver urged the public to get out and vote for Vice President Kamala Harris citing the presidential hopeful’s policy plans.

John Oliver, who has been vocally critical of Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance, began his closing monologue Last Week Tonight mentioning how the race is currently too close to call despite the recent Madison Square Garden rally where racist comments and jokes were delivered along with gaffes made by Trump while on the campaign trail.

While much of the monologue was a takedown of the Trump-Vance campaign from a comical angle, Oliver did illustrate how a Trump-Vance administration would put into power individuals such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who would oversee health policies according to Trump despite his controversial takes.

Oliver was clear in noting that the race is close as it is due to Harris herself and the connections to President Joe Biden, the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, and the culture wars here in the States. However, the host said that despite this, he is casting a vote for Kamala Harris in hopes that if she wins, the next four years can bring about effective change.

Check out the monologue from John Oliver below.

—

Photo: Getty

04 Nov 2024

LL Cool J, Victoria Monét & More Remember Quincy Jones: ‘Music Would Not Be Music Without You’

As news broke of Quincy Jones’ death at age 91 on Monday (Nov. 4), tributes began to pour in to honor the musician who Clive Davis once told Billboard was “the ultimate music renaissance man.” Among those paying tribute to the 28-time Grammy winner were LL Cool J, David Guetta and Victoria Monét.

“You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example. Mentor. Role model. King. ?You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you,” LL Cool J wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Jones holding numerous Grammys awards. “My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally. #ripquincyjones one of one.”

Monét began her tweet with five heartbroken emojis. “to one of my biggest inspirations! Quincy I love you so much!!!” she wrote. “Your legacy will live on forever and ever ? Heaven definitely got an upgrade with you”

Trending on Billboard

French DJ and record produce Guetta shared a lengthy remembrance on X highlighting some of Jones’ achievements. “It’s hard to find the words to express the impact @QuincyDJones has had on me, as well as on music and culture as a whole. Quincy wasn’t just a legend, he was an inspiration, a trailblazer, and a true genius. He produced my favorite album of all time, ‘Thriller’ by @michaeljackson, an album that set the standard for what music could be, blending genres and pushing boundaries,” he wrote. The DJ also shared a photo of himself with the music legend, before recounting how they met.

“I had the honor of meeting Quincy, notably at the Grammys @RecordingAcad, where we even had the chance to speak in French, a language he mastered so beautifully,” Guetta shared. “Those moments will stay with me forever. Thank you, Quincy, for all you’ve given us. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists to come.”

Jones’ publicist Arnold Robinson shared that the music icon died Sunday (Nov. 3) at his Los Angeles home, with his family around him. His family also shared a statement. “He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created,” it read in part. “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

Read on for more musician reactions to Quincy Jones’ death:

“I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones,” Ice-T tweeted along with a vintage photo of the rapper-actor with the music legend. “Genius is a discription loosely used but Rarely deserved. Point blank, Quincy was the MAN. I won my 1st Grammy with Quincy and I live with his Wisdom daily. My condolences go out to his family who I had the honor of

“We have lost one of the all time greats. The world will miss Quincy Jones,” Darius Rucker tweeted alongside a photo of the artist. “Rest my friend.”

“Rest in Peace and Perfect Pitch Quincy Jones! What a life well lived,” Sheryl Lee Ralph tweeted.

“Rest in Power Quincy Jones The Greatest of All Time,” Nile Rodgers shared on TikTok.

04 Nov 2024

2025 Grammy Predictions: Best Comedy Album Nominees

At the 2024 Grammy ceremony on Feb. 4, host Trevor Noah was nominated for best comedy album for the second time for I Wish You Would, but lost to Dave Chappelle’s What’s in a Name?. The Recording Academy hasn’t announced who will be hosting the 2025 Grammys on Feb. 2, but these two comedians are likely to both be nominated again for best comedy album – Chappelle for The Dreamer and Noah for Where Was I.

Chappelle has been nominated five times in this category – and has never lost in this category. (He did lose in 2022 when one of his albums, 8:46, in which he discussed the 2020 police murder of George Floyd, was judged to be not primarily comedic and was moved to best spoken word album.)

Trending on Billboard

If Chappelle wins again, he’ll stand just behind Bill Cosby for the most wins in this category. Cosby won seven times from 1965 and 1987. Chappelle is currently tied with George Carlin and Richard Pryor as runner-up in the category.

Jim Gaffigan has been nominated seven times in this category, but has yet to win. He will likely be nominated again this year for The Prisoner. Gaffigan is the only comedian (and the only non-Grammy winner) who was announced last week as one of the presenters of the Grammy nominations on the livestream on Friday (Nov. 8). Does that mean the academy knows for a fact that he’s going to be nominated and booked him for the livestream so they’d have a happy reaction shot? I don’t think the academy knows that far in advance who is going to be nominated, but his booking on the livestream certainly isn’t a bad sign about his chances for another nod this year.

Adam Sandler, a three-time nominee in this category, is entered for Love You. Sandler and Chappelle are both past recipients of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Tig Notaro, a two-time nominee in this category, is entered with Hello Again. David Cross, also a two-time nominee, is entered for Worst Daddy in the World.

Joe Rogan is a contender with Burn the Boats. The Joe Rogan Experience is considered one of the most influential podcasts, though his politics do not align with that of most Grammy voters (as evidenced by the fact that only Democratic presidents and first ladies tend to be nominated for best audio book recording.)  Burn the Boats is Rogan’s latest Netflix special.

Conan O’Brien, who won his fifth Primetime Emmy in September for Conan O’Brien Must Go, is entered with Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend: Quinquennial Celebration, a collaboration with Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley.

Taylor Tomlinson, the host of After Midnight, which follows The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on CBS, is entered with Have It All.

Nikki Glaser, who is set to host the 2025 Golden Globes telecast on Jan. 5, is entered with Someday You’ll Die. Jo Koy, who hosted that show earlier this year, is entered with Live From Brooklyn. Ricky Gervais, who hosted the Globes five times between 2010 and 2020, is entered with Armageddon.

Several other potential nominees have also hosted awards shows. Marlon Wayans, who co-hosted the MTV VMAs in 2000 with his brother, Shawn Wayans, is entered with Good Grief. Kevin James, who hosted the People’s Choice Awards in 2001-02, is entered with Irregardless. Jack Whitehall, who hosted the Brit Awards four years running, from 2018-21, is entered with Settle Down.

Other notable contenders on the entry list of 94 albums include Shane Gillis’ Beautiful Dogs, Demetri Martin’s Demetri Deconstructed and Matt Rife’s Lucid – A Crowd Work Special.

Our Fearless Forecast

Dave Chappelle, The Dreamer

Jim Gaffigan, The Prisoner

Trevor Noah, Where Was I

Tig Notaro, Hello Again

Adam Sander, Love You

04 Nov 2024

Billboard Artist Series Launches With Spellbinding New Photos of NewJeans

In October, NewJeans starred in the first edition of Billboard Artist, a new series of collectible art books produced by Billboard Korea. The inaugural edition tells the girl group’s story through a visual lens, showcasing the members’ style and fashion while incorporating interview highlights as well. NewJeans was honored as Group of the Year at Billboard’s 2024 Women in Music awards show.

Billboard Korea launched in August with a star-studded event in Seoul — the K-Power 100 — bringing together the leaders of all of South Korea’s major music companies and featuring performances by some of the region’s most exciting talent. Billboard Artist, an initiative led by Billboard Korea creative director Woo Lee, is available for purchase on Weverse and through various other retailers.

Below, Lee explains all about the new print series.

What is Billboard Artist?

Billboard Artist is a large-format, unbound visual art book designed for people to enjoy each page like a poster. This unique book showcases the inspiration and impact of musicians through photography, art, essays, and illustrations. Unlike traditional magazines, which have a limited life, Billboard Artist is a timeless collectible, featuring content in English and Korean. It is also available in select bookstores worldwide.

Why did you launch Billboard Artist? 

In a pre-smartphone era, magazine titles like Hero, Muse, and Icon portrayed stars as distant, untouchable figures. The world once craved stars who exuded perfection and mystique — think of David Bowie or Prince. But now, stars openly share details of their everyday lives — who they travel with, what books they read, the ideologies they hold — making them more relatable to the public. Musicians express their creativity across multiple realms beyond music, including fashion, visual arts, documentaries, and acting. Their multifaceted creativity serves as a major source of inspiration for all of us. We wanted to capture this in a tangible art book that showcases their diverse artistry and impact.

Describe the way you work with artists to create these books.

We choose an act and use their sound, history, personality and aesthetic as a source of inspiration, while also drawing from social issues, history, politics, humanities, science or mythology of significance to the artists. This might result in a fashion collaboration, an essay or poetry collaboration with a writer, a visual art collaboration with a digital artist, a beauty portrait with beauty and scent, or a short film produced with a videographer. All of this is developed freely and flexibly in conversations with the featured artists — their participation and creativity is key to the process.

Will Billboard Artist exclusively feature K-pop musicians because it’s produced by Billboard Korea?

No. Billboard Artist does not limit its scope by nationality, language, or territory. Billboard’s 130-year legacy of credibility and influence has always transcended borders. But there’s a reason why this project began with Billboard Korea. The Korean music industry prizes powerful storytelling, visual impact and fan engagement, and has a symbiotic relationship with the fashion and beauty sectors. That unique Korean perspective informs our vision.

Why was NewJeans chosen for the first edition?

The first question for us is always: “Who is the most talked-about musician right now?” We wanted to feature an artist who resonates in the present while evoking the past and inspiring thoughts of the future. NewJeans was the perfect choice because their music, fashion, and aesthetics blend ’80s nostalgia with a modern, forward-looking appeal. This 56-page art book captures the group’s charm, fusing elements of 1980s Italian youth culture, traditional Korean hanok houses, and the symbolism of birds in contemporary art into a poetic visual narrative.

How often will new editions of Billboard Artist be released?

Unlike a magazine, Billboard Artist doesn’t follow a fixed release schedule. When an artist is selected, there could be two editions in a month or just one in two months. For this year, a single edition will be released as a year-end treat, with more editions planned for 2025.

Where can people currently purchase the NewJeans edition?

Online pre-orders have closed, and we’re now in the second print run. Starting in mid-November, it will also be available at select bookstores. Updates will be posted on Billboard Korea’s Instagram.

A version of this story appears in the Oct. 26, 2024, issue of Billboard.

04 Nov 2024

Jon Bon Jovi, Joe Jonas & DJ Khaled to Participate at 2024 Latin Grammys

Grammy-winning artists Jon Bon Jovi and DJ Khaled, as well as Grammy-nominated artist Joe Jonas, will help celebrate Latin music this month, when they perform at the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Latin Recording Academy announced on Monday (Nov. 4) additional performers for the Nov. 14 ceremony, including current nominees Ángela Aguilar, Álvaro Díaz, Tiago Iorc, Quevedo, Residente, Myke Towers, Trueno and The Warning, along with previous nominee Leonardo Aguilar.

Ángela Aguilar is nominated for album of the year and Álvaro Díaz earned two nominations for best reggaeton performance and best urban music album. Tiago Iorc scored a nomination for best singer-songwriter song, while Quevedo is nominated for best urban song. Residente has three nominations, including album of the year and song of the year. Myke Towers has two nods in the best urban song category. Trueno is nominated for best urban fusion/performance and best urban music album, and The Warning are nominated for best rock song.

Trending on Billboard

Previously announced performers include current nominees Anitta, Edgar Barrera, Becky G, David Bisbal, Eladio Carrión, DARUMAS, Emilia, Alejandro Fernández, Luis Fonsi, Leonel García, Grupo Frontera, Juan Luis Guerra, Carin León, Danny Ocean, Silvia Pérez Cruz, Carlos Rivera, Elena Rose, Ela Taubert and Kali Uchis, as well as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, Carlos Vives, and previous nominees Pitbull and Reik.

For the second consecutive year, Mexican hitmaker Edgar Barrera leads the list of nominees with nine nods, including songwriter of the year and producer of the year. He is followed by superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny, who got eight mentions each. For a full list of nominations, click here.

The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, and will air live on Univision, UniMás, Galavisión and ViX from the Kaseya Center in Miami beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

The Latin Grammy Premiere, where the majority of the categories are awarded, will be hosted by Latin Grammy nominees Maria Becerra, Juliana and Luísa Sonza, and will feature performances by Ale Acosta, Alok, Valeria Castro, Deorro, Fonseca, Leonel García, Grupo Niche, Draco Rosa, Rozalén and Vikina. It will be live streamed across the Latin Recording Academy platforms from the Miami Beach Convention Center beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

04 Nov 2024

‘Titan, Genius, GOAT’: Quincy Jones Mourned By Music Industry

Tributes from industry luminaries and executives are pouring in for legendary producer, arranger and composer Quincy Jones, who died Sunday (Nov. 3) at the age of 91. A jazz sideman who evolved into a bandleader, label executive, film composer, TV and movie producer and, of course, popular music savant as studio maestro to Michael Jackson, Jones’ considerable artistic wingspan during his seven-decade career — his picture should be in the dictionary under “multi-hyphenate” — will rightly be lauded by every nook of the entertainment world. 

“Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity,” his family said following his passing. 

Trending on Billboard

Here is a list of reactions, which we’ll update as they come in: 

Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall (CEO and COO, Warner Chappell Music): “We join billions of music fans around the world, as we mourn the loss of the great Quincy Jones, and celebrate his immeasurable contributions to culture.  Words like titan, genius, GOAT, will be used today and he deserves it all.  Quincy was a producer, artist, composer, and activist, but above all, he was a songwriter.  He leaves behind an extraordinarily powerful, diverse body of work that will light the way for future generations.  Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (he was inducted in 2013): “Quincy Jones excelled at every role he took on. Producer, arranger, trumpeter, executive, and more, Jones won 28 Grammy Awards and guided historic sessions with such giants as Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson in addition to his groundbreaking work in film and television. Jones established the standard for innovation; accomplished and successful in every facet of the music industry, he set the model for the modern music mogul.”

Michael Huppe (president and CEO, SoundExchange): “Huge loss yesterday to the music world. A seminal force. From Michael Jackson to Count Basie to Frank Sinatra.”

Nile Rodgers (guitarist, producer and co-founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund):

TIDAL (the streaming service): “Rest in peace to Quincy Jones, who, as a producer, film scorer and solo artist, quite simply did it all. He has been sampled by Mobb Deep and the Pharcyde; composed the music for ‘The Color Purple’; and produced both “We Are the World” and Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the latter being the best-selling album of all time.”

Danyel Smith (former editor of VIBE, which Jones co-founded): “In addition to being one of the best producers in the history of American music, [Quincy Jones] is the founder of VIBE magazine. [He] launched VIBE because it was the change he wanted to see. He wanted glorious and rigorous storytelling. He wanted depth of design and imagery. He wanted hip hop and the history of American Blackness that informed it to receive the credit it is due. Always surrounded by genius teams, and predecessors, and successors, I was music editor, cover story warrior, and the first Black person and first woman to serve as VIBE’s editor-in-chief — so I am blessed to have known Quincy Jones. As an artist yes, but also as a negotiator, a conversationalist, a charmer. Quincy Jones is a person I often reported to, a person who encouraged me (without sentiment). He was a networker, a knower of his worth, and a valiant enforcer of the true value of Black music and culture. I’m lost this morning. And at a loss. Rest in everlasting peace, Quincy Jones — from me and your grateful VIBE family.” (Smith’s full post on X can be found here.)

04 Nov 2024

Bon Jovi & Pitbull Announce Collab ‘Now Or Never,’ a Remix of the Classic ‘It’s My Life’

Miami and New Jersey come together as global superstar Pitbull joins forces with Bon Jovi again for a new remix of the band’s classic “It’s My Life,” Billboard Español can announce. The collaboration, titled “Now Or Never,” will be released on Nov. 14, the same day of the 2024 Latin Grammys. 

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

According to a press release, Pitbull and Jon Bon Jovi, the frontman and founding member of Bon Jovi, struck up a friendship after meeting at the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction and awards ceremony. Since then, they notably hit the stage together last April at the Hollywood Bowl for a duet of “Thank God & Jimmy Buffett” during the Keep The Party Going: A Tribute To Jimmy Buffett. And, in September, Jon Bon Jovi surprised Pitbull’s fans at the Jones Beach Theater, during the New York stop of his Party After Dark Tour, where they sang “It’s My Life” together for the very first time.

Now, the Cuban-American rapper-singer and the New Jersey rock star are giving the song a spin with their new remix. In “Now Or Never,” the track’s instantly recognizable riff and chorus ring out as powerfully as ever, with Pitbull adding fresh verses like “Me, I am a man of my word, and I live it” and “Just live your life like Frank Sinatra, your way, and have no fear.”

Trending on Billboard

The accompanying music video captures their joint performance at Jones Beach, the release release says.

“Now Or Never” is set to arrive on the day of the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, where Pitbull has been announced as a performer. Mr. Worldwide is also returning this month to Las Vegas for his 2024-2025 Vegas After Dark The Residency at the Fontainebleau.

04 Nov 2024

Coco Jones, Amanda Jones & Autumn Rowe Named 2024 ASCAP Women Behind the Music Honorees

The award-winning trio of Coco Jones, Amanda Jones and Autumn Rowe are this year’s honorees for ASCAP Rhythm & Soul’s Women Behind the Music. The 16th annual celebration will take place Nov. 12 in Los Angeles.

Nicole George Middleton, ASCAP senior vp of membership and ASCAP Foundation executive director, will present the awards in salute to trailblazing women in music. “This event is so special to us,” said George-Middleton in a statement. “Over the past 16 years, ASCAP Women Behind the Music has given us a platform to celebrate exemplary women and their incredible achievements as leaders in the music industry. We are so proud to recognize the women who have made such a profound impact through their leadership and art, and we hope to empower the next generation to do the same.”

Coco Jones, nominated for five Grammy Awards last year including best new artist, won her first gramophone for best R&B performance earlier this year on behalf of her breakthrough hit “ICU.” The now platinum-certified track was the lead single from Jones’ 2022 EP What I Didn’t Tell You, released through High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings. With a new album in the works, the singer-songwriter-actress (Peacock’s Bel-Air; Netflix’s Vampires vs. the Bronx) recently released her latest single, “Most Beautiful Design” featuring London On Da Track & Future.

Trending on Billboard

Songwriter-producer-advocate Rowe is also a fellow Grammy honoree, winning the album of the year award in 2022 for her contributions to Jon Batiste’s We Are. Her songwriting credits include Alexis Jordan’s “Happiness,” the official song of the FIFA World Cup, plus collaborations with Dua Lipa and Diana Ross, among other artists. A staunch advocate for songwriter’s rights and women in music, Rowe recently launched her joint venture publishing company with Spirit Music Group and a mentorship program with BMG and SONA, “Ask the Insider.”

The first African-American woman to be nominated in the Primetime Emmy score category, composer Amanda Jones received that nod for outstanding music composition for a documentary series or special (original dramatic score) for Apple TV+’s documentary series Home Season 1 (the “Maine” episode). Jones won her first Daytime Emmy in 2023 for outstanding music composition and direction for her original music on two episodes of Apple TV+’s Home Season. Upcoming projects include Apple TV+’s #1 On the Call Sheet starring Halle Berry and Angela Bassett.

DJ-producer Niyah will provide musical entertainment for ASCAP Rhythm & Soul’s Women Behind the Music event. Prior honorees include artists Kelly Rowland, Victoria Monét, Salt-N-Pepa, Summer Walker and Jazmine Sullivan, songwriting-production duo Nova Wav and industry executives Phylicia Fant of Amazon Music and Interscope Geffen A&M’s Nicole Wyskoarko.

04 Nov 2024

AEG’s AXS Buys Hamburg Ticketing Company

AXS, the AEG-owned ticketing company, on Nov. 4 announced the acquisition of a white-label ticketing company called white label eCommerce. The latter company, a Hamburg start-up founded in 2012 that has about 35 employees, currently sells tickets to festivals, sports events and some concerts, but not under its own name.

White label eCommerce will become part of AXS Germany, which in 2024 started selling tickets to German AEG venues, including Uber Arena in Berlin and Barclays Arena in Hamburg. It will continue its white-label business as well. “The entire team is thrilled to become a part of a respected global business like AXS and the broader AEG team,” white label founder Arndt Scheffler said in the announcement. 

“We’re honored to welcome white label eCommerce to the AXS global team,” said AXS president, International, Blaine Legere in the announcement. “Their stellar reputation for client service, iconic list of clients, and forward-thinking technology aligns with our brand.”

Trending on Billboard

Although AEG operates in the U.S. as a concert promotion company, as well as a venue owner, that strategy has varied by market in Europe. In Germany, which in most years is the world’s third- or fourth-largest live entertainment market after the US and the UK and sometimes Japan, AEG operates several venues but does not promote concerts other than that. In other European markets, AEG has transitioned from operating only as a venue owner to working as a promoter as well – usually for other venues as well as the ones it owns. In most markets, a ticketing strategy through AXS is an important part of that.

An acquisition that seems to signal an expansion of AEG’s ticketing business could be taken as a hint that the company could eventually become a promoter in the German market as well. And two German live music executives with no direct knowledge of AEG’s plans suggested that might be the case, given the company’s operations elsewhere in Europe. But the company could face more competition in Germany than elsewhere in Europe, since the company CTS Eventim has more market share there in ticketing as well as promotions.

04 Nov 2024

Quincy Jones, Award-Winning Legendary Producer, Dies At 91

HipHopWired Featured Video

CLOSE

Ted Turner & Jane Fonda's Wedding Reception, 1992

Quincy Jones, a legendary record producer and songwriter who worked with several musical greats, died over the weekend in his California home. The enormity of the loss of Quincy Jones is on full display on social media, most especially the X social media platform.

Quincy Jones was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Ill. Music became a part of Jones’ life at a young age under the guidance of his mother and a next-door neighbor. The idea of becoming a professional bloomed when Jones was a teenager, crossing paths with a blind pianist and singer by the name of Ray Charles who was just a couple of years his senior.

In the early 1950s, Jones, who was a trumpet player early on, studied for a short while at the Schillinger House facility, now known today as the Berklee College of Music. At the age of 20 in 1953, Jones hit the road as a trumpeter and arranger for Lionel Hampton. This opened doors for Jones to become an arranger for Dinah Washington, Clifford Brown, Cannonball Adderley, Count Basie, and others. In 1956, Jones joined Dizzy Gillespie’s band as a trumpeter and became its musical director. In that same year, Jones released his first album as a band leader.

Jones’ ear for music and talents as an arranger created a pathway for him to join Mercury Records as its A&R director and in 1964, he was named a vice president at the label, becoming one of the top Black executives in music at the time. Jones would continue to work as an arranger for the likes of Frank Sinatra and Billy Eckstine and moved into composing music for the film industry.

After suffering a brain aneurysm, Jones briefly stepped away from the music industry but returned and found himself drawn to producing pop records. Jones created his record label, Qwest, in 1980. He would also become a film producer in 1985, helping bring The Color Purple to life along with creating the score for the award-winning film.

Quincy Jones at Dreamworks

Source: David Hume Kennerly / Getty

Among Jones’ several achievements, his work with the late Michael Jackson remains notable to this day. Jones was the producer of Jackson’s Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad which all were massive successes and added to the legacy of both Jones and Jackson alike. During this time, Jones also produced the star-studded fundraising “We Are The World” single. Jones also dabbled in bringing television shows to fruition, serving as a producer for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In 1993, Jones founded Vibe magazine and owned the publication until 2006.

1984 Grammy Awards

Source: William Nation / Getty

Jones has been awarded several honors, including the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2011, the Ahmet Ertegun Award in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, 28 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Tony Award, seven Oscar nominations, the Los Angeles Press Club Visionary Award in 2014 to count just a handful of his accolades.

Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones in Recording Studio

Source: Bettmann / Getty

In the Hip-Hop sphere, tracks that Jones produced have been the sonic backdrop to acts such as De La Soul, Nas, 2Pac, The Pharcyde, Mobb Deep, LL COOL J, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and more. Jones also embraced Hip-Hop as a producer, working with Big Daddy Kane and Kool Moe Dee on his Back On The Black album in 1989, and Kid Capri, LL COOL J, Funkmaster Flex, Heavy D, and more on Q’s Jook Joint in 1995.

Quincy Jones is survived by seven children: Rashida Jones, Kidada Jones, Kenya Kinski-Jones, Quincy Jones III, Jolie Jones Levine, Martina Jones, and Rachel Jones. Jones is also survived by his grandchildren. Isaiah Jones Koenig, Quincy Renzo Delight Jones IV, and Nea Jones.

On X, the passing of Jones is the number one trending topic and we’ve got the reactions listed down below.

Quincy Jones was 91.

—

Photo: