In Awe of the Legendary Quincy Jones

We all knew who Quincy Jones was, primarily because of Michael Jackson. That was all we needed to know to determine that the man was an amazing musical mind. He produced not only the historic "Thriller" album in 1982, but also the "Off The Wall" album in 1979, and the "Bad" album in 1987. As far as anyone was concerned in the 80s: Quincy Jones was a mastermind. Those accomplishments alone are more than enough to have him cemented into music's elite echelons.

Since then, I can't say that I've ever questioned Q's excellence. I knew that he was the producer of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I knew that he had produced and performed with many (if not all) of the greatest musicians of our time and beyond. I can recently recall him being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2013), and also receiving the Kennedy Center Honors in 2001. Everyone knows, he's a vault of talent. It's no secret, although all of the details may not have been widely known.

What I didn't realize--and now am painfully aware of, thanks to the Netflix documentary Quincy that was released on September 21--is that Quincy Jones is unbelievably extraordinary. Like, ridiculously phenomenal on so many levels. After watching the movie, I was near speechless. Many times during the film, I had to shake my head in awe. At his orchestration. The way he composed scores. The instruments he played. The projects he was behind. Simply amazing.

I consider myself to be a music lover, and someone who studies, appreciates, and respects all genres for various reasons. I admire vocalists, and appreciate instrumentalists regularly. I revel at songwriters, and celebrate performers. But what Mr. Jones has is something special, that transcends genre, generation, and trend. He is a bonafide genius, and I'm thankful for the production "Quincy" that his daughter Rashida Jones and Alan Hicks created in his honour.

Released at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, "Quincy" is a two-hour journey through decades, relationships, sounds, and emotion, as the young (and handsome!!) Mr. Jones is enters the world of live bands and composition from a young age. It is his love for music that guides his entire life, and continues to bring him to special spaces and keep him in the highest of high regards amongst musicians and civilians everywhere.

The most beautiful thing about this man is his humility. Despite the talent, the awards, despite the endless list of credentials, and having worked with the greats from Lena Horne and Frank Sinatra, to Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and today's contemporary stars. Despite travelling the world, and being an expected and comfortable presence amongst leaders like Barack Obama and Colin Powell, as well as the Civil Rights leaders of the 60s and 70s. Despite having his name attached to some of the most powerful Black films of our time (Roots (1997), The Wiz (1978), and The Color Purple in 1985) by scoring the musical soundtracks...despite this all, he still remains humble and grateful.

I was unaware of the brain aneurysm he suffered in 1974, and the multiple surgeries he endured to overcome this setback. This, and many other details about his life described in the movie, only made my respect and appreciation for him multiply. Easily.

Again, he had me at Thriller. That was enough of a contribution to music, to culture, and to my own personal memories to keep Mr. Jones on a pedestal. This film was important because it put Quincy in a spotlight, and really aligned his accomplishments and contributes to contemporary culture in a way that makes you realize that individuals like him are rare. He is truly a legend, that few can compare to.

It reminds me of the power of not only music, but also legacy and persona. It demonstrates how important the arts is in creating culture and complementing history. There's something about the musical scores, and the artistic contributions he has made over the span of his 85 years that made me feel happy to be alive, and aware of every minute that we are given to create, to compose, and to enjoy life...through music.

There is power in a legacy like Quincy's, because his talents bring so much joy. For decades, he has delivered happiness in various forms, and contributions like that can't be taken for granted. The arts are a magical force, and when used correctly, they have the great power to move, inspire, and uplift.

It was an amazing documentary, and a powerful story to say the least. I'm happy to be alive in a time when his living legacy is tangible and available as a blueprint for other artists. I hope that this movie served as an inspiration to those who have been blessed with talents, and that they recognize the importance of using them wisely, and creating a valuable example for those to follow.

God bless him, and his amazing life. I will continue to be inspired by Quincy's journey.

Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.