Jones’s publicist Arnold Robinson revealed that he died last night surrounded by his family at his home in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles.
The family said in a statement: ‘Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing.
‘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.’
Jones rose to the top of showbusiness as he became one of the first black executives to thrive in Hollywood and amass an extraordinary musical catalog.
He toured with Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranged records for Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, and composed the soundtracks for Roots and In The Heat Of The Night.
Jones organized then-president Bill Clinton’s first inaugural celebration and oversaw the all-star recording of We Are The World in 1985 for famine relief in Africa.
The 28-time Grammy award winner will likely be best remembered for his productions with Jackson, with his versatility and imagination helping set off the singer’s talents as he transformed from child star to the ‘King of Pop.
May his soul rest in peace, Amen.
