We are running painfully short in the Legend department regarding Music here on Planet Earth. Although a gentleman rather short in physical stature, Quincy Jones cast a massive shadow in his wake as he transitions toward whatever comes next, perhaps the largest in my lifetime. He graced us with 91 years in total. At 7 he touched a piano for the first time and instantly understood where he belonged, and at the age of 14 was taught to read music by his 16 year old buddy and idol, Ray Charles. “God only gave us 12 notes and until we discover another, it’s my duty to find out everything that can be done with every one of them,” he often explained when asked for advice on becoming a better musician. He dismissed formula as a ridiculous notion and had no time for genre classification. Describing Soul Music as “when you can coax an artist to dig deep inside themselves and play what they feel, without describing it.”

I feel very fortunate that I had the honor of watching him in action while we were building the programming of XM Satellite Radio at the turn of the century. He was sort of a “Vibe Master” as a vital part of our Artists in Residence. He was all love and all music, a twinkle in both eyes and his laugh and enthusiasm will never leave me. He absolutely loved our company mantra “A.F.D.I. -- Actually Fucking Doing It.” He believed and inspired every one of us to believe in ourselves and do the work and never stop listening and most of all to be prepared, in case the light hits you.

Q was as righteous a cat that ever roamed the planet. Godspeed Quincy, and thank you from all of us that love music.

Set One



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