The Q Factor

Kimberly Bailey-Tureaud reflects on how Quincy Jones transformed our culture, defined an era, and set a mark for Black excellence that can never be duplicated or surpassed.

If you ever had the opportunity to be in the presence of the legendary Quincy Jones, three words best describe the experience: “I see you.” 

His eye for talent and authenticity — and ear for timeless groove — made the producer, composer, arranger, conductor, trumpeter and bandleader one of the cultural giants of his time. He was a one-of-a-kind human being, whose life was an endless orchestra of unparalleled impact. 

The music fell silent on Nov. 3, when he died at 91 years of age — leaving behind seven children and a legacy of Black excellence that can never be duplicated or surpassed. 

I was blessed to meet Mr. Jones once at an event in Las Vegas, and was eager to ask whether he knew my father, Bob Bailey — as they both performed with Count Basie in the 1950s. Before I could even position myself in front of the legend, he caught my eye and graciously approached to ease any nervousness. Time stood still as Mr. Jones greeted me and responded to my question with, “Yes, I do remember your dad. He was a great man. We had good times with Count Basie.” 

We took a selfie, and I left with an indelible memory. All I could do was reflect on Mr. Jones’ achievements, because I knew I was in the presence of a true creative genius who touched hearts all over the world. Performing with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and arranging a string of smash hits for Michael Jackson — including the classic albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad” — his musical contributions spanned decades. 

Consider the weight of what the icon achieved: Fighting famine in Africa with the massive production of “We Are the World. Composing and producing music for television shows and films that ranged from “Sanford and Son” and “Ironside” to “The Cosby Show,” “Roots,” and “The Wiz.” His 1981 album, “The Dude,” introduced James Ingram with such hits as “Just Once” and “One Hundred Ways.” 

He was a mentor and inspiration for hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar and LL Cool J, and founded both Quest Records and Vibe magazine. And it was Jones who gave Oprah Winfrey her first acting opportunity — in “The Color Purple,” the 1985 classic film that he produced. 

Jones also towered over Americana: he produced and coordinated the opening musical ceremonies for the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. And in 2010, President Barack Obama presented Jones with the National Medal of Arts, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors. 

His artistry will be missed but never forgotten. I can’t help but hear the words of his own father, Quincy Delight Jones, who his son was fond of quoting: “Once a task is just begun, never leave until it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.”