Quincy Jones Dead at 91
· Ultimate Classic RockMusician and producer Quincy Jones – best known for his work on Michael Jackson’s Thriller – died at the age of 91 on Nov. 3.
His publicist Arnold Robinson confirmed that the 28-times Grammy winner had “passed away peacefully” at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” his relatives said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
READ MORE: Paul McCartney Called Quincy Jones a 'Crazy Motherf---er' for Insulting the Beatles
In a 75-year career, Chicago-born Jones won 28 Grammys and was once described as one of the 20th century’s most important jazz musicians by Time magazine. A student of what would become the Berklee College of Music in Boston, he’d started out as a jazz arranger for artists including Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, before crossing over to work in the pop world too.
He produced Lesley Gore’s four million-selling hits of the ‘60s – “It's My Party,” “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” "She’s a Fool” and “You Don’t Own Me.” In 1968 he became the first African American to be nominated for two Oscars in the same year, for his song “The Eyes of Love” and his score for movie In Cold Blood.
Along with producing three Jackson albums – Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad – he helmed the1985 charity single “We Are the World,” featuring 46 of the biggest music stars of the era. He also composed around 50 movie and TV soundtracks, and produced on groundbreaking 1985 movie The Color Purple. His 1962 composition “Soul Bossa Nova” became the theme for 1997’s Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
Quincy Jones’ Work Ethic Came From Hard Childhood
In a 2018 interview with GQ, Jones said his approach to work was a result of growing up without a mother after she suffered severe mental illness and was institutionalized. In addition he’d grown up in the street gangs of Chicago – once having being stabbed in the hand and neck – and wanted to remove himself from that environment.
he reported that he’d never been more focused in his life, explaining: “I stopped drinking two years ago because I had diabetes II. And it’s the best thing I ever did. My mind’s so clear now… the curiosity’s at an all-time high.”
He revealed he was fighting dementia “like a warrior” by making as much use of his brain as possible. “The muses come out at midnight,” he said of his work ethic. “No emails, no faxes, no calls… I’ll write music.
“Life’s an amazing journey, isn’t it, man? Every day I think about it. It’s just something else. I love every step… They be thinking I’m 84 and retired and all that shit. They wrong, man. Oh baby! I am never retiring!”
Tawl Ross
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David Soul
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Del Palmer
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James Kottak
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Brian McConnachie
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Leon Wildes
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Mary Weiss
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Melanie
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Melinda Wilson
Melinda Wilson, the wife of Brian Wilson, died in late January. In addition to his spouse, Melinda was also Brian's manager and played a major role in helping him revitalize his career. "She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart," Brian wrote on social media. "She was my anchor. She was everything for us."
Read More: Brian Wilson Mourns Death of 'Beloved Wife' Melinda | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/brian-wilson-wife-melinda-dead/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Adele Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen's mother, Adele, a highly important figure in the rocker's life, passed away at the age of 98. "There ain’t a note that I play on stage that can’t be traced back to my mother," Springsteen once said of her.
Toni Stern
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Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers, best known as for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, died at age 76. He also made appearances in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Happy Gilmore (1996) and The Mandalorian, among other productions.
Wayne Kramer
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Aston 'Family Man' Barrett
Aston "Family Man" Barrett, best known for being the bandleader of Bob Marley's Wailers, as well as co-producer of the albums, died on Feb. 3 at 77 years of age. He also worked with acts like Lee "Scratch" Perry and Sly & Robbie.
Henry Fambrough
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Mojo Nixon
Mojo Nixon, the musician and actor best known for his novelty song "Elvis Is Everywhere," died of a "cardiac event" at 66 in February. "Since Elvis is everywhere, we know he was waiting for him in the alley out back," his family stated following his passing. "Heaven help us all."
Damo Suzuki
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Robert 'Corky' Stasiak
Robert "Corky" Stasiak, longtime engineer for the Record Plant, died in February following a battle with ALS. He worked with legends like Aerosmith, John Lennon, Jim Croce, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, Lou Reed, Johnny Winter, Peter Frampton and more
Greg 'Fritz' Hinz
Greg "Fritz" Hinz, drummer for Helix, died in February at the age of 68. Hinz had been a member of the Canadian hard rock band from 1982 until 1996, then returned again in 2009. "Fritz was the consummate rock drummer," his bandmate Brian Vollmer said in a statement. "It was his craft. He prided himself in his playing, and well he should have."
Tony Ganios
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Richard Lewis
Actor and comedian Richard Lewis died at the age of 76 in February. (In 2023, Lewis revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.) He was best known for his role as a fictionalized version of himself in Curb Your Enthusiasm, and also appeared in films like Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), Leaving Las Vegas (1995) and more.
Paul Martinez
British session musician Paul Martinez died in February. He was best known for appearing on bass at Live Aid in 1985 with the reunited remaining members of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, in addition to Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums.
Phil Collins
Brit Turner
Blackberry Smoke drummer Brit Turner died in early March at the age of 57. He'd been battling brain cancer since 2022. "Brit was Blackberry Smoke's True North," the group wrote in a statement, "the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band."
Bob Heil
Bob Heil, best known for inventing the Talk Box effect unit, died at the age of 83. Peter Frampton received one as a Christmas present in 1974 and it can be heard on his 1976 release Frampton Comes Alive! "Can never thank Bob enough," Frampton wrote online. "Rest in power my friend."
Jim Beard
Jim Beard, a keyboardist for Steely Dan, died at the age of 63 following a "sudden illness." He'd played with the group since 2008. Over the years, he also worked with Pat Metheny, John Mayer, Al Jarreau, Steve Vai and more.
Eric Carmen
Eric Carmen, who first found fame as the lead singer of Raspberries, died in March of unspecified causes at the age of 74. Carmen also enjoyed a successful solo career, landing the hits "All By Myself," "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again" and "Hungry Eyes," among others.
Steve Harley
Steve Harley, best known as the vocalist for the British glam rock group Cockney Rebel, died in March at the age of 73. Among the band's hits was "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)," "Judy Teen," "Mr. Soft" and a cover of the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun."
Moscow Concert Hall Attack, 137 Victims
In March, a mass shooting and a case of arson at a Russian concert venue near Moscow claimed the lives of 137 people. The attack took place at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, where '70s rock band Picnic was performing.The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the tragedy and four suspects were arrested.
Gerry Conway
Gerry Conway, veteran folk and rock drummer who played with Cat Stevens, Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention and others, died in March at the age of 76. In his final years, Conway battled motor neurone disease, which results in the gradual loss of motor neurons that control voluntary muscles. "What a lad, and what ingenuity and style," Stevens said in a post honoring Conway. "May God grant him the beautiful reward of peace everlasting."
Joe Flaherty
Actor Joe Flaherty, best known for his run on SCTV, Freaks and Geeks and the Adam Sandler film Happy Gilmore, died at the age of 82 after a "brief illness."
Chris Cross
Chris Cross, bassist for the English new wave band Ultravox, died at age 71. He also appeared in the original Band Aid video. "You were the glue that held the band together," his bandmate Midge Ure said following Cross' passing. "You were the logic in the madness and the madness in our lives. It was great to know and grow with you. You are loved and missed old friend."
John Sinclair
John Sinclair, an iconic figure of the counterculture movement and former manager of MC5, died in April at the age of 82. Sinclair was also a a poet, political activist and the leader of the White Panther Party, an anti-racist group founded in response to the Black Panthers.
Keith LeBlanc
Keith LeBlanc, a drummer and producer who worked with the likes of Nine Inch Nails, the Cure, the Rolling Stones, Annie Lennox, Tina Turner and more, died in April.
Michael Ward
Former guitarist for the Wallflowers Michael Ward died in April at the age of 57. He was a member of Jakob Dylan's group from 1995 to 2001, appearing on Bringing Down the Horse and (Breach).
CJ Snare, Firehouse
CJ Snare, founder and singer of Firehouse, died in April at age 64 following a multi-year battle with cancer. Snare helped form the band in the late '80s, and stayed with them alongside guitarist Bill Leverty and drummer Michael Foster for close to 40 years.
Dickey Betts
Dickey Betts, co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band, died in April at the age of 80. The guitarist had been battling cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. "Dickey was larger-than-life," his family said in a statement, "and his loss will be felt worldwide."
Mike Pinder
Mike Pinder, co-founder and the last remaining original member of the Moody Blues, died in April at the age of 82. In addition to his duties as a keyboardist and singer, Pinder contributed 27 songs to the band's catalog between 1964 and his departure in 1978.
Duane Eddy
Pioneering guitarist Duane Eddy died at the age of 86. The 1994 Rock Hall inductee was best known for his 1958 instrumental hit "Rebel-'Rouser." Among those who were influenced by his work: Ry Cooder, Steve Cropper, John Fogerty, George Harrison and Paul McCartney.
Richard Tandy
Electric Light Orchestra keyboardist Richard Tandy died on May 1 at the age of 76. "It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my longtime collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy," ELO bandleader Jeff Lynne wrote. "He was a remarkable musician and friend and I'll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together."
Daniel Kramer
Photographer Daniel Kramer passed away in May at the age of 91. Kramer shot the cover images of Bob Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home (1964) and Highway 61 Revisited (1965), and also photographed Dylan extensively while he toured during those years.
Steve Albini
Producer and engineer Steve Albini, who worked with Nirvana, Pixies and more, died of a heart attack in May at the age of 61. He was also a member of bands Big Black, Shellac and Rapeman.
Dennis Thompson
Dennis Thompson, the drummer and last remaining member of MC5, died in May at the age of 75. Thompson joined the band in 1965, becoming part of the Detroit band's classic lineup.
Roger Corman
Filmmaker Roger Corman, known to many as "The King of Cult," died in May at the age of 98. Corman worked as a director, actor and producer on dozens of movies, including but not limited to: Not of This Earth (1957), The Little Shop of Horrors (1960), The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Apollo 13 (1995) and many more.
Susan Backlinie
Susan Backlinie, the actress and stuntwoman best known for appearing as the girl eaten by a shark in the opening scene of 1975's Jaws, died at 77. She also appeared in The Grizzly and the Treasure, 1941 and Day of the Animals. Her last on-screen appearance was in a 1982 episode of The Fall Guy.
David Sanborn
Saxophonist David Sanborn died at the age of 78. His playing can be heard on classics including David Bowie's "Young Americans," Bruce Springsteen's "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" and Eagles' "The Sad Cafe," among others. He also worked with Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, James Taylor and many more.
John Barbata
John Barbata, best known for playing drums in Jefferson Starship in the '70s, died at the age of 79. Over the course of his career, he also played with the Turtles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and others.
Charlie Colin
Charlie Colin, founding bassist of the band Train, died in May at the age of 58. According to his mother, Colin died after slipping in the shower while house sitting for a friend in Brussels, Belgium.
Doug Ingle
Doug Ingle, lead vocalist, organist and primary composer of the band Iron Butterfly, died in late May at the age of 78. Iron Butterfly was founded in 1966, they released their debut album in 1968 and within six months were prog rock stars.
Brian Humphries
Brian Humphries, who served as engineer for several of Pink Floyd's most famous releases, including The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, died in late May. He also worked on albums by Black Sabbath, the Kinks, Mott the Hoople, Traffic, Spooky Tooth, Squeeze and more.
Ed Mann
Ed Mann, the longtime percussionist for Frank Zappa, died in June at the age of 70. He also worked with Andy Summers, Kenny Loggins, Tammy Wynette, Los Lobos and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Mark James
Mark James, the songwriter behind classics like "Suspicious Minds," "Hooked on a Feeling" and "Always on My Mind," died in June at the age of 83.
Peter Collins
British producer Peter Collins died in early July at the age of 73. Among his list of accomplishments: Rush's Power Windows, Bon Jovi's These Days, Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime, Alice Cooper's Hey Stoopid, Gary Moore's After the War and many more.
Tom Fowler
Tom Fowler, the bassist best known for playing with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention as well as Ray Charles, died in July at the age of 73. Fowler made his recording debut with Zappa on 1973's Over-Nite Sensation and appeared on several more of his albums throughout the '70s, up to 1978's Studio Tan. He also appeared on Charles' final studio album, the Grammy-winning Genius Loves Company.
Joe Egan
Joe Egan of Stealers Wheel died on July 6 at the age of 77. Alongside Gerry Rafferty, he co-wrote the the band's most popular song, "Stuck in the Middle With You," which made the Top 10 in both the U.S. and U.K. Egan released two of his own solo albums, Out of Nowhere in 1979 and Map in 1981.
Carol Bongiovi
Jon Bon Jovi's mother, Carol Bongiovi, died on July 10, three days shy of her 84th birthday. "Our mother was a force to be reckoned with, her spirit and can-do attitude shaped this family," a statement from the Bongiovi family read. "She will be greatly missed."
Jerry Miller
Jerry Miller, founding guitarist for Moby Grape, died in July at the age of 81. He also recorded with his own solo group, the Jerry Miller Band, collaborating with his former bandmates on many of their albums.
Abdul 'Duke' Fakir
Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the last surviving original member of the Four Tops, passed away from heart failure in July at the age of 88. The Four Tops were one of Motown's most successful acts, helping to launch the label to international fame. Among their hits: "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)," "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Ain't No Woman" and more.
John Mayall
Blues legend John Mayall died on July 22 at 90 years old. He founded John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in 1963, whose members at various points included Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Jack Bruce, John McVie and more. In 2024, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the musical influence category.
Greg Kihn
Baltimore-born singer, songwriter and guitarist Greg Kihn, best known for the hit "Jeopardy," died in August at the age of 1975 after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Jack Russell
Jack Russell, the original singer for Great White, passed away in August at 63 years old. "All those wonderful years together will be held close to our hearts," his former bandmates wrote on their social media. "It was a privilege and joy to share the stage with him – many shows, many miles and maximum rock."
Jerry Fuller
Songwriter Jerry Fuller, who penned hits like “Travlein’ Man” and “Young Girl,” died at the age of 85 due to complications from lung cancer. Over the years he collaborated with the likes of Glenn Campbell, Ricky Nelson and more.
Sergio Mendes
Sergio Mendes, the highly influential Brazilian jazz musician credited with helping to make bossa nova music popular worldwide, died at 83. Mendes signed with A&M Records in the '60s, promptly scoring a Top 50 hit, “Mas Que Nada.” He later recorded covers of songs by the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Buffalo Springfield and others.
Screamin' Scott Simon
Screamin' Scott Simon, who played piano and sang with Sha Na Na for over 50 years, passed away at 75 following a battle with sinus cancer. Simon also co-wrote the song "Sandy" from the movie Grease, sung by John Travolta.
Herbie Flowers
Bassist Herbie Flowers, who worked with Lou Reed ("Walk on the Wild Side") David Bowie (Space Oddity, Diamond Dogs), Elton John, Harry Nilsson (Nilsson Schmilsson and Son of Schmilsson), Cat Stevens and three members of the Beatles, died at 86 from unspecified causes.
Will Jennings
Will Jennings, a collaborator of both Steve Winwood's and Eric Clapton's, died in September at 80 years old. Jennings co-wrote Winwood's "Back in the High Life" and Clapton's "Tears in Heaven," among other hits.
Tio Jackson
Tito Jackson, an original member of the Jackson 5, died in September at the age of 70. In addition to recording with his brothers, Jackson also enjoyed a solo career as a blues guitarist.
J.D. Souther
Singer-songwriter J.D. Souther, who penned a number of songs for Eagles, died at the age of 78 in September. He was was Glenn Frey’s first songwriting partner.
Freddie Salem
Freddie Salem, guitarist for the Outlaws, died in September at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. "He was an electric performer and beloved musician and he will be missed," the band posted on social media.
Cat Glover
Catherine "Cat" Glover, a former choreographer, singer, dancer and rapper for Prince, died in September at the age of 60. No causes were specified.
Kris Kristofferson
Singer, songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson died in late September at the age of 88. He collaborated with the likes of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Barbara Streisand, and his songs were recorded by Janis Joplin, Al Green, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and more.
Dave Allison
Dave Allison, the original guitarist for Anvil, died on Sept. 30 at 68 years of age. Allison played on the group's first five studio albums before leaving in 1989.
Johnny Neel
Johnny Neel, former member of the Allman Brothers Band, died at the age of 70 in early October. "Aside from being an amazing musician and singer, Johnny was one of the funniest people on the planet — a true character," Warren Haynes said in a social media post. "'Johnny Neel stories,' as we refer to them in our little chunk of the music world, are legendary."
Cissy Houston
Cissy Houston, the mother of singer Whitney Houston, died in October at age 91. The elder Houston worked as a backup singer to Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and others, as well as sang with her own group, the Sweet Inspirations.
Jack Ponti
Jack Ponti, the New Jersey-based producer and songwriter who worked with Bon Jovi, Skid Row and Alice Cooper died in October at 66 years old. In the late '70s, Ponti played guitar in a band called the Rest, which included a pre-fame Jon Bon Jovi as the singer.
Paul Di'Anno
Paul Di'Anno, who sang on Iron Maiden's first two albums, died in October at the age of 66. "Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been traveling as a band for almost five decades," the band wrote on social media. "His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world."
Phil Lesh
Phil Lesh, co-founder and bassist for the Grateful Dead, died in October. He was 84 years old. "Phil Lesh changed my life," his bandmate Mickey Hart said on social media following the news. "There are only a few people you meet in your lifetime that are special, important, who help you grow spiritually as well as musically."