Music 101: Remembering Quincy Jones

Musician, composer, writer, producer, executive, and so much more, Quincy Jones “did pretty much everything you could do in the entertainment industry,” writes Alexis Pretridis in the Guardian. 

Born Quincy Delight Jones Jr. and raised in Chicago and then Seattle, Jones’ numerous achievements included (in addition to his own recording career) soundtrack work for directors like Sidney Lumet, Steven Spielberg, and Norman Jewison; becoming an executive at Mercury Records; and writing, arranging, and producing songs for such legendary artists as Donna Summer, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Jackson (including Thriller).

Jones passed away earlier this week at age 91. In the next episode of Music 101, Margot explores his music, career, and massive influence.

The music featured in this episode includes Jones’ own music as well as songs by the many artists who collaborated with. Listen Sunday, Nov. 10 at 10am and next Wed., Nov. 13 at 8pm.

Music featured in this week’s Music 101 episode:

• Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra – “Don’t Flee The Scene, Salty”
• Quincy Jones & The Swedish American All-Stars – “Jone’s Bones”
• Quincy Jones – “Evening In Paris”
• Ray Charles – “One Mint Julep”
• Lesley Gore – “It’s My Party”
• Frank Sinatra (with Count Basie) – “Fly Me To The Moon”
• Michael Jackson – “Beat It”
• U.S.A. For Africa – “We Are The World”
• Miles Davis & Quincy Jones – “Miles Ahead” (Montreux 1991)

In each episode of Music 101, Margot highlights a different chapter in music history, showcasing songs you love and the stories behind them. Listen to Music 101 on the Colorado Sound every Sunday at 10am MT, with the same episode repeated Wednesday at 8pm MT.