Most of us are thoroughly aware of the many accolades and global influence made by Quincy Delight Jones II in culture and media, but we all must always remember that it was always about music!
Quincy grew up as an adolescent in the middle of The Great Depression, this is what built his determination to not only survive but thrive! It was by chance of hearing a piano that inspired him to learn how to play every instrument he could get his hands on. The big band sound and seeing black men in a different light where they were masters of their craft and free pushed him to do whatever it took to become a part of that family! As a teen he was discovered by Count Basie for his trumpet playing then later traveled the world as a member of Lionel Hampton’s big band. This experience sparked his interest in becoming a band leader and composer himself. This desire led him to into intense study in orchestral arrangement abroad and soon accomplishing this goal soon after. This was the origin of Quincy Jones that gave us his all and what a delight it has been.
From Frank Sinatra to The Weekend and just about anyone you could possibly think of, his 70-plus year career span throughout every media form there is.
Now, my first exposure to his talents was from my childhood with the song ‘Street Beater’ aka The Sanford & Son tv show theme song. Then, there was this album my father had where Quincy was on the cover dressed in a black jumpsuit sporting a perfect medium afro! This, of course, was the “You Got It Bad Girl” album and when I learned that ‘Street Beater’ was on this album, I had to give it a listen. I was hooked immediately, because it also included the tracks, ‘Superstition’ and ‘Summer In The City.’ The title track ‘You Got It Bad Girl’ was also a standout track, but my personal favorite was ‘Manteca!’
There are 3 other key albums from Quincy that stood out to me over the years. The next was “The Dude” that dawned the key tracks, ‘Ai No Corrida’ and ‘Velas.’ This album also gave us a proper introduction to two classic soul ballads from James Ingram, ‘Just Once’ and ‘One Hundred Ways’. Furthermore, it’s been said that this album was inspired by a statue he was given in Africa which there is an image of for the album cover.
For a while, after Quincy was off my radar with his self-titled releases, mostly because he was wrapped up in tv and movie projects and what he is mostly known for, and that’s the making of the maturation of Michael Jackson! Then while I was in high school, he put himself back out there and dropped the classic album, “Back On The Block!” This album was hardcore by letting you know that Quincy would never limit himself to any genre as he always did! This album was a full document of black culture at the time by embracing hip-hop, modern R&B, Quiet Storm and fresh renditions of classic jazz and modern jazz in acapella, instrumental and gospel influence. Everybody was on this album to say the least, Ice-T, Big Daddy Kane, Take6, Tevin Campbell, Chaka Khan, Bobby McFerrin, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald & Sarah Vaughn! Track for track this album was just dope, but probably the most famous song from this album is the quintessential quiet storm slow jam “The Secret Garden” that featured Al B. Sure, El DeBarge, Barry White & James Ingram putting it down on where every black woman deserved to be by their side!
Finally, the last album that resonated with me was released while I was in college where we were all invited to have a time inside of, “Q’s Jook Joint!” This album did not miss either with renditions of Quincy produced classics like Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock with You’ with Brandy and Heavy D and The Brothers Johnson’s ‘Stomp’ with Coolio, Yo-Yo and, believe it or not, Shaq, as well as ‘Stuff Like That’ from Quincy’s “Sounds” album that featured Ray Charles and Charlie Wilson. Most notably, once again it was the mellow moods that hit this album such as, ‘Slow Jams’ with Tamia, Babyface, Barry White and Portrait and ‘Heaven’s Girl’ with Aaron Hall, R. Kelly, Charlie Wilson and Ron Isley! Let’s not forget that we were introduced to Tamia as a solo diva with ‘You Put A Move On My Heart’ on this joint as well.
The culmination of these significant albums combined with him working on groundbreaking projects like “We Are The World”, “The Color Purple”, Qwest Records, Vibe Magazine, etc. there is no denying that he will not be remembered as one of the greatest American composer/producers of all time a defined popular culture in his own way for the world to see and was awarded and recognized for his accomplishments through all his adversity to be an inspiration to us all going forward! Rest In Power Sir, you left us the blueprint with your gifts, and we thank you for it!