Entertainment
The End Of An Era: Quincy Jones, Master Producer And Composer, Dies At 91
Quincy Jones, the iconic music producer whose groundbreaking work with Michael Jackson on Thriller reshaped the music industry, has passed away at the age of 91.
His death on Sunday, November 3, 2024, was confirmed by his publicist Arnold Robinson, who stated that Jones passed peacefully surrounded by his family.
In a heartfelt statement, his loved ones said, “With full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. While we feel the weight of this profound loss, we celebrate the incredible life he lived and know that there will never be another like him.”
A trailblazer in the music world, Jones’ career spanned more than seven decades, earning him a staggering 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations. His legacy extends far beyond Thriller—he also produced Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall and Bad, and worked with an unparalleled roster of legends including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Donna Summer, George Benson, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Jones was instrumental in the creation of the iconic charity single We Are The World, co-writing and producing the track that became a global anthem. His contributions also extended to film, where he composed memorable scores and was nominated for seven Academy Awards. In 1968, he became the first African American nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars for The Eyes of Love from the film Banning.
Beyond music, Jones was a successful entrepreneur. In 1990, he founded a TV and film production company, Qwest Productions, and went on to create iconic shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Color Purple. In 2017, he launched Qwest TV, an on-demand music streaming service, further cementing his influence in the entertainment industry.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’ early life was shaped by music. He moved to Washington State with his father after his parents’ divorce, and by 14, he was playing in a band with a young Ray Charles. His musical journey led him to New York, where he worked as a trumpet player for Elvis Presley and later as an arranger and producer for Mercury Records.
A survivor in more ways than one, Jones narrowly escaped being murdered by Charles Manson’s cult in 1969. He had planned to visit Sharon Tate’s home the night of the infamous killings but forgot and stayed home. In 1974, he also overcame a life-threatening brain aneurysm, continuing to work and create music in the decades that followed.
Jones’ personal life was as storied as his professional one. He was married three times: first to high-school sweetheart Jeri Caldwell, with whom he had daughter Jolie, then to Swedish model Ulla Andersson, with whom he had two children, Quincy Jr. and Martina. His third marriage to actress Peggy Lipton produced two daughters, Rashida and Kidada. He also had children from relationships with Carol Reynolds and Nastassja Kinski.
Quincy Jones’ impact on music, film, and popular culture is immeasurable. His contributions continue to inspire and influence generations of artists, and his legacy will live on through the timeless records and groundbreaking projects he leaves behind.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has postponed the premiere of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, in light of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
Originally set to debut on January 15, the show will now launch on March 4. Meghan expressed gratitude to Netflix for supporting her decision to delay the release, saying, “I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California.”
Netflix’s Tudum platform confirmed the postponement, highlighting that the show, a tribute to the beauty of Southern California, had been rescheduled due to the ongoing crisis.
Meghan and Prince Harry have actively supported relief efforts, offering their Montecito home as a refuge for friends and loved ones displaced by the fires. On January 10, they distributed food and supplies in Pasadena, met with affected families, and thanked first responders for their work. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo commended the couple, saying their presence uplifted spirits and provided hope to those impacted.
The couple also released a statement urging residents to assist evacuees, check on vulnerable neighbors, and donate essential items to families who’ve lost everything. They encouraged support for organizations like the American Red Cross, which is actively aiding wildfire victims.
Through their actions and advocacy, Meghan and Harry continue to demonstrate their commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis.
Netflix is set to broaden its repertoire of African storytelling with the premiere of Mo-Faya, an enthralling new drama series from acclaimed creator and director Reuben Odanga.
The seven-episode series is scheduled to launch on December 20, 2024, offering audiences a unique blend of intense drama and telenovela flair.
Mo-Faya takes viewers on a journey through Nairobi’s vibrant streets and into the lesser-seen corners of Western Kenya, an area rarely spotlighted in mainstream media. The show centers on Zawadie, whose life unravels after learning life-altering secrets about her family. Determined to rebuild, she begins a new chapter with her boyfriend, Brian. But when she discovers his dangerous double life, Zawadie is drawn into a shadowy world filled with betrayal and crime.
The series features a mix of seasoned talent and emerging stars, including Lorna Lemi (Nairobby), Brahim Ouma (Pepeta), and newcomers Tobit Tom and Mathew Ngugi. Also joining the cast are Alex Mwakideu (Nafsi), Blessing Lung’aho (Country Queen), Basil Mungai (Kina), Tessy Njine (Selina), and the well-known media personality Cate Rira.
Reuben Odanga, known for his work on the critically acclaimed, Kalasha Award-winning telenovela Selina, brings his expertise to Mo-Faya, marking his first series for Netflix. His directorial debut feature film, Nafsi, was also featured on the platform in 2022, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in Kenyan storytelling.
Mo-Faya promises to bring a fresh and compelling voice to the global stage of drama.
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