Statement on the Death of Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones was a musical genius who transformed the soul of America: one beat, one rhythm, and one rhyme at a time.

Growing up as a child facing segregation and poverty, he found music to be a refuge. As a teenager, he trained with some of the greatest musicians ever.

Over the next seven decades, he became a producer, composer, instrumentalist, executive, and so much more, discovering some of our most iconic artists and shaping the most memorable records and scores in history.

His God-given talent earned him countless awards and honors in music, film, and television. He was one of few Americans to earn an EGOT and received 28 Grammy Awards, among the most of all time.

In only a way he could, Quincy Jones solidified Black culture as American culture. He was a great unifier, who believed deeply in the healing power of music to restore hope and uplift those suffering from hunger, poverty, and violence, in America and the continent of Africa.

Jill and I send our love to his entire family and everyone whose spirit was elevated by his extraordinary contributions.

May God bless Quincy Jones.