Fresh Air: Remembering Quincy Jones
NPR's Fresh Air, hosted by Terry Gross, pays tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones following his passing at the age of 91. This episode delves into Jones's illustrious career, his significant contributions to music and entertainment, and his personal life, drawing from a comprehensive interview recorded in 2001.
Early Beginnings and Musical Genesis
Quincy Jones's journey in music began in the early 1950s as a trumpeter for Lionel Hampton's big band. Despite his early start, Jones did not gain prominence as an instrumentalist. Instead, his genius lay in his talents as an arranger, composer, and record producer. His versatility spanned diverse genres, from big bands and bebop to pop, movie soundtracks, TV themes, and hip hop.
Notable Quote:
"Another sunny Honeymoon, Another season, Another reason for making Whoopi look at Me. I'm as helpless as a kitten of a tree..."
— Quincy Jones [02:00]
Formative Friendships and Collaborations
One of Quincy Jones's most cherished relationships was with Ray Charles, whom he met when both were teenagers. Their friendship, rooted in mutual respect and shared musical aspirations, played a pivotal role in Jones's development.
Notable Quote:
"What impressed me the most with Ray is that he was so independent and his sightlessness did not hinder him at all. It's one of the treasured, cherished friendships that I really have."
— Quincy Jones [06:25]
Jones recounts their youthful days performing at both white and black clubs, navigating the complexities of race and music during that era. Their collaboration eventually led to significant projects, including working together on the film Heat of the Night.
Lionel Hampton Big Band: A Crucible of Talent
Jones secured his first major music job with the Lionel Hampton Big Band while still in high school. His breakthrough came when Hampton was impressed by an arrangement Jones submitted, despite his limited formal training in music theory.
Notable Quote:
"We had half of Count Basie's band on that session and half of Duke Ellington's band on that session. In those days, that's when I first started to work with Phil Ramone..."
— Quincy Jones [07:43]
Jones describes the dynamic and somewhat chaotic environment of the Hampton band, highlighting Hampton's showmanship and the band's technical prowess. The experience was both exhilarating and formative, shaping Jones's future in music production and arrangement.
Pioneering Arrangements and Productions
Quincy Jones's first recorded composition and arrangement, "Kingfish," marked the beginning of his prolific career. His ability to intertwine orchestration with contemporary sounds set him apart in the music industry.
Notable Quote:
"I was so happy to have a surrounding, an environment where that was encouraged all the time."
— Quincy Jones [17:45]
Jones emphasizes his transition from performing to focusing on writing and arranging, influenced by working alongside musical giants like Clifford Brown and Benny Bailey.
Soul Bossa Nova and Cultural Impact
In 1962, Jones composed "Soul Bossa Nova," a piece that would later become iconic as the theme for the Austin Powers films. The composition originated from Jones's exposure to the burgeoning bossa nova movement during his State Department tours in Latin America.
Notable Quote:
"I wrote in about 20 minutes since 1962, a tune called Soul Bossa Nova... 38 years passed, and now Austin Powers is stuck with this thing."
— Quincy Jones [28:00]
Despite initial reservations about its campy nature, Jones appreciated how the song found a new audience, underscoring his adaptability and lasting influence.
Producing Pop Hits: Leslie Gore and Beyond
Jones's production prowess extended into the pop music realm with his work on Leslie Gore's groundbreaking hits. Producing tracks like "It's My Party" showcased his ability to craft songs that resonated with a wide audience.
Notable Quote:
"Irving said, here's a tape that Joe Glaser sent me and his friend, the fight manager, somebody has a niece that sang something. Just say you listened to it and we'll send it back."
— Quincy Jones [30:21]
His strategic decisions, such as supporting Gore despite industry competition from Phil Spector, demonstrated his keen sense for nurturing talent and creating enduring music.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Beyond his professional achievements, Jones shared intimate details about his personal life, particularly his challenging childhood. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Jones endured the complexities of his mother's schizophrenia, which deeply affected his upbringing.
Notable Quote:
"We couldn't have a conversation without it being a big argument. I didn't know... we just never could communicate at that time."
— Quincy Jones [41:02]
These personal hardships fueled his determination and artistry, shaping him into the resilient figure revered in the music industry.
Collaborations with Michael Jackson and "Thriller"
One of Quincy Jones's most monumental projects was producing Michael Jackson's Thriller, the best-selling album of all time. Their collaboration began in the early 1970s and blossomed into a partnership that revolutionized pop music.
Notable Quote:
"Thriller was a combination of all my experience as an orchestrator and picking the songs and Michael's all the talents he has as a dancer, as a singer, as an amazing entertainer."
— Quincy Jones [49:08]
Jones attributes the success of Thriller to the harmonious blend of his orchestration expertise and Jackson's unparalleled talent and discipline.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Quincy Jones's influence extends beyond his music. His work in television production, including popular sitcoms like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Mad TV, showcases his versatility and impact on contemporary entertainment. His ability to bridge various genres and mediums underscores his status as a multifaceted icon in the arts.
Conclusion
Quincy Jones's legacy is a testament to his extraordinary talent, unwavering resilience, and profound impact on music and culture. From his early days in big bands to producing timeless pop classics, Jones's contributions have left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape. Fresh Air's remembrance of Quincy Jones celebrates not only his professional achievements but also the personal struggles that shaped his remarkable life.
Selected Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "What impressed me the most with Ray is that he was so independent and his sightlessness did not hinder him at all." — Quincy Jones [06:25]
- "I was just so happy to have a surrounding, an environment where that was encouraged all the time." — Quincy Jones [17:45]
- "I wrote in about 20 minutes since 1962, a tune called Soul Bossa Nova... 38 years passed, and now Austin Powers is stuck with this thing." — Quincy Jones [28:00]
- "Thriller was a combination of all my experience as an orchestrator and picking the songs and Michael's all the talents he has as a dancer, as a singer, as an amazing entertainer." — Quincy Jones [49:08]
This summary captures the essence of Quincy Jones's life and work as discussed in the Fresh Air episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the interview.