Quincy Jones: A Musical Master

Quincy Jones is a name that is renown in the music industry. Throughout the decades, the accomplishments and contributions that Quincy Jones has made to jazz, pop, R&B and other genres are awe-inspiring. He is a man that is known in all music circles and beloved by the public. While his music is extremely interesting and enjoyable, his life is also fascinating- from his humble beginnings, to stardom, to literally a pop culture icon. There are few individuals in music that have excelled so far and Quincy Jones is definitely one of them- a true musical master.

Quincy Jones Started from Humble Beginnings
The life of Quincy Jones started from humble beginnings. While he always loved music, it became a necessity and a place where he could find solace early on. His mother- mentally ill spent her life in and out of mental hospitals and music for Quincy Jones was more than just a hobby, but a way to get him through the tough times. His first experience with a musical instrument came at the age of 11, when he and his friends broke into a recreation room on the Army base where they were working. Quincy Jones approached the rec room piano and tried to play a few notes. At that moment he states “every cell in my body said this is what you will do for the rest of your life.”

Quincy Jones taught himself popular songs on the piano and enjoyed composing new ones- even before he learned the technical aspects of playing the piano effectively. And it wasn’t just the piano he was enamored with, when he heard a barber in town playing the trumpet, he again was enamored and resolute on learning to play this musical instrument as well.

Playing with the Greats
Quincy Jones was not only talented enough to learn and play musical instruments such as the piano and trumpet extremely well, but was lucky enough to meet and play with the right people. After the war, Quincy Jones, would sneak into nightclubs and watch jazz greats Lionel Hampton, Cab Calloway, Count Basie and more (most of whom he would develop personal relationships and play with in the years to come.

For those that enjoy music and are interested in this musical legend, Smithsonian Magazine has a fascinating article available on the life and work of Quincy Jones. You can read it at our main website.

www.smithsonianmag.com Smithsonian magazine is a monthly magazine created for modern, well-rounded individuals with diverse interests. It chronicles the arts, history, sciences and popular culture of the times. Each month, expect articles from the Smithsonian Institution's award-winning, monthly general interest magazine, plus exclusive Web articles, videos, blogs, photographs and more.

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