Quincy Jones’s final social media post indicates his everlasting adoration for his children.
“Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena @martinafotos1!!. So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally,” the caption reads alongside a photo of the father-daughter duo.
On Sunday, publicist Arnold Robinson confirmed that Jones died that night in his Los Angeles home while surrounded by family. He was 91.
Born on March 14, 1933, Jones kicked off his music career as a trumpeter in the jazz scene before producing his first hit single, a pop song called “It’s My Party” in 1964. As a renowned producer, Jones contributed to the success of icons Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Paul Simon.
“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, according to AP. “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.”
Martina Jones is the daughter of Quincy Jones and his ex-wife, Swedish model Ulla Andersson, along with their son and hip-hop producer Quincy III, 55.
The Grammy-winning producer is also a father to Jolie Jones Levine, 69, whom he had with his high school sweetheart and first wife Jeri Caldwell; Rachel Jones, 59, whom he had with dancer Carol Reynolds; Kidada Jones, 50, and Rashida Jones, 48, whom he had with ex-wife Peggy Lipton; and Kenya Jones, 31, whom he had with German actress Nastassja Kinski.
Fatherhood
In a Facebook post celebrating his 91st birthday in March, the father of seven expressed gratitude for his longevity and stressed the importance of the influence one has on a child.“This life that I’ve been blessed to live is not one that I take for granted. As a little black boy growing up in the South Side of Chicago, making it to 91 wasn’t even a dream because it never seemed possible,” he wrote.
“To all-a-y’awl out there, never underestimate the positive impact that you can have on a kid’s life because it may just be the difference between them making it to 19 or 91. Thank you all for the beautiful birthday wishes & I pray that I can continue to pass down what the great’s have given to me!! Keep on keepin’ on…U know I am!” he added.
“Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers out there!! Never underestimate your role in your kid’s lives...I learned that a bit later in my life, but I’m so glad I finally figured it out because being a father is hands down one of the greatest blessings!!” he said. “My daddy always used to tell me that ‘once a task has just begun, never leave it ‘til it’s done, be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.’ That has stuck with me ever since, & without a doubt has influenced my work ethic.
“I’m forever grateful to my father for working so hard to keep a roof over our head back in the 30’s during The Great Depression when we were living in Chicago, & later in Bremerton...It’s a beautiful thing to look back on these photos because it reminds me of his love & how he never gave up on us. I’m telling y’awl, it’s up to you to create the type of relationship you want to have with your kid, & it’s never too late to start!” he continued.
