Tue Nov 05 12:38:41 UTC 2024: ## Quincy Jones: A Soundtrack to Black Lives, Remembered Through Family Parties
Renowned music producer Quincy Jones, who passed away at the age of 91, leaves behind a legacy that transcends his incredible achievements. For Michelle Kambasha, a music industry professional, Jones’s impact is deeply personal, intertwined with happy memories of family gatherings and the shared joy of his music.
Jones’s influence on Kambasha’s life began in childhood, as the music of Michael Jackson, particularly the albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad” all produced by Jones, permeated her household. These albums, celebrated with pride by her family, were a source of unity and celebration of their Black identity.
Beyond Jackson, Jones’s influence stretched far and wide, encompassing the evolution of music from disco to soul to R&B, and beyond. He crafted soundtracks for iconic films like “The Wiz” and “The Color Purple,” and contributed to the monumental television series “Roots.” He even produced Lesley Gore’s classic hit “It’s My Party.”
While Jones’s musical genius is undeniable, Kambasha emphasizes the personal connection she and her family had with his music. “What I’ll remember Jones for is his part in the chaos of my family parties, for those secret moments of joy and reflection, for the opportunity he gave my family to educate me about one of our own,” she writes.
Jones, a pioneer who rose from poverty and racism to achieve international acclaim, embodied a spirit of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness, a story that resonated deeply within the Black community. He remains a source of pride, a testament to the power of music to bring people together, and a reminder of the joyful chaos of shared experiences.
First Piper 