An obituary of sorts, I wrote about Quincy Jones’ Seattle history and impact on the area for Seattle news outlet, The Stranger.
Quincy Jones, the legendary musician and producer, passed away at 91 in Los Angeles. Though he spent only a portion of his youth in Seattle (from 1943 to 1951), the city played a crucial role in shaping his musical path.
While attending Garfield High School, Jones became involved in Seattle’s thriving jazz scene, performing with the Bumps Blackwell Junior Band and collaborating with fellow rising stars like Ray Charles. He later reflected on his time in Seattle as a transformative period that deeply influenced his career.
Even after achieving worldwide fame, Jones maintained strong ties to the city, mentoring young musicians and supporting local music programs. His influence continues to resonate in Seattle’s music scene, cementing his legacy as both a global icon and a hometown inspiration.
