Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Music Producer

Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones was an American record producer, composer, arranger, conductor, trumpeter, and film and television producer.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Quincy Jones was an American record producer and composer who shaped modern music for over seven decades. He is best known for producing Michael Jackson's album *Thriller* and winning 28 Grammy Awards.

Early life and start in music

Born in Chicago in 1933, Quincy Jones moved to Seattle as a child and began playing trumpet professionally as a teenager. He entered the jazz world as a trumpeter and arranger, laying the foundation for a career that would span genres and mediums.

Career and major collaborations

Jones worked across jazz, pop, R&B, film, and television. He produced Michael Jackson's albums *Off the Wall* and *Thriller*, and collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Count Basie, and many others. His influence extended to composing for film and producing the miniseries *Roots*.

Awards and legacy

Jones received 28 Grammy Awards and 80 nominations, an Emmy Award for *Roots*, and a Tony Award. He was one of the most decorated figures in music history and remained active until his death in 2024 at age 91. His work continues to influence Canadian and global audiences.

In short

  • Produced Michael Jackson’s *Thriller* and *Off the Wall*
  • Won 28 Grammy Awards and 80 nominations
  • Worked in jazz, pop, film, and television across seven decades
  • Died in 2024 at age 91 in Los Angeles
Canadian angle

Jones had major influence on global popular music heard and studied in Canada, and his recordings and productions were widely distributed and celebrated by Canadian audiences and musicians.

Quick questions

Who was Quincy Jones?
He was an American record producer, composer, arranger, conductor, trumpeter, and film and television producer.
What is Quincy Jones best known for?
He is best known for producing Michael Jackson’s album *Thriller* and for his broad influence on jazz and popular music.
How many Grammy Awards did Quincy Jones win?
He won 28 Grammy Awards and received 80 nominations.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Quincy-Jones
    Supports: Birth, death, occupations, and major production credits including Thriller
  2. National Endowment for the Arts — https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/quincy-jones
    Supports: Roles as bandleader, producer, arranger, trumpeter, and collaborations with major artists
  3. Kennedy Center — https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/j/jo-jz/quincy-jones/
    Supports: Career breadth and award totals
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/musicians/quincy-jones
    Supports: Career overview, major collaborators, and death in 2024
  5. National Endowment for the Humanities — https://www.neh.gov/about/awards/national-humanities-medals/quincy-jones
    Supports: Career overview, Grammy count, Emmy, and humanitarian recognition