Legendary producer and songwriter Quincy Jones has died, aged 91

He passed away at his home last night (November 3) surrounded by his family

Legendary producer and songwriter Quincy Jones has died, aged 91.

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed he had died at his home in Bel Air last night (November 3) surrounded by his family, according to Sky News.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family 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.”

His family went on to say he was “truly one of a kind” who they would “miss dearly”.

They added: “We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”

Over the years, Jones worked with countless artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Michael Jackson who he famously produced the iconic albums ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ with. ‘Thriller’ is still the biggest selling album of all time.

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He also oversaw the all-star recording of 1985 charity record ‘We Are The World’ which was helmed by himself Jackson, Lionel Richie and producer Michael Omartian and raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia in 1985.

Over 46 musicians took part including Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner and Cyndi Lauper.

The hit reached Number One in the UK and the US and was performed at Live Aid that year.

Jones also composed the soundtrack to the hit 1969 British film The Italian Job, starring Michael Caine.

The actor was one of the first to pay tribute writing on X/Twitter: “My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world. He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.”

Nile Rodgers also paid his respects adding: “Rest in Power Quincy Jones The Greatest of All Time”, while Isaac Hayes posted a lengthy tribute to Jones, writing: “I wanna give my condolences to the Jones family for the loss of their father, their patriarch Quincy Jones. In this moment I want to say that even though Quincy has left this earth he leaves a legacy and a lesson for all of us. That legacy and lesson is LIVING.”

On the big screen Jones also produced the film The Color Purple which introduced the public to two then unknown performers – Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg.

On the small screen he was one of the producers behind the hit TV show The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.

His career, which spans more than 70 years, saw him win 28 Grammy awards out of 80 nominations.

He was also named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.

Jones, who fathered seven children, was married three times to Jeri Caldwell, Ulla Andersson and Peggy Lipton. His children include music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones.

This is a developing story. Check back for further updates.