November 4, 2024 • 19 mins
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who passed away at 91, made waves with his candid 2018 interview. He didn't hold back on Donald Trump, calling him a "crazy motherf***er" and criticizing his leadership. Jones also claimed to have dated Ivanka Trump in 2006, describing her as attractive but with the "wrong father." These controversial statements, along with others in the interview, led to significant media attention and an eventual apology from Jones.
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Feel free to comment, and subcribe.
The provided sources offer a comprehensive guide to navigating human connections and personal resilience through psychological strategies. They detail specific behavioral indicators of romantic interest, such as active curiosity and consistent communication, while providing advanced seduction frameworks rooted in neurobiology and social dynamics. Additionally, the texts outline practical methods for fostering deep conversation through introspective questioning and meaningful rapport-building. Beyond interpersonal relationships, the collection emphasizes mental fortitude, teaching readers how to practice micro-gratitude and maintain motivation during periods of high stress. Collectively, these materials serve as a manual for strengthening emotional intelligence and achieving personal growth in both social and private contexts.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
What to do when you have a Welcome to this
deep dive into the life of Quincy Jones. Yeah, sadly
passed away just a few days ago at the age
of ninety one.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
I know you're a music fan, so we're going to
go way beyond the usual headlines, beyond the whole Twincy
Jones produced Thriller's narrative and really unpack his incredible and
at times controversial journey.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Yes, there's so much more to Quincy Jones than that
one massive achievement, so it's certainly an impressive one for sure.
What's fascinating is how he seemed to have his hands
in everything across the entertainment industry everywhere for decades. It's true,
it's unbelievable.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Okay, let's set the stage. Okay. We've got his obituary
from The New York Times, a couple of articles about
his career highlights, okay, and of course that explosive twenty
eighteen Vulture interview. Oh yes, where he really let loose.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
That interview certainly made waves. But let's start with the
foundation of his career.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
You might be surprised at how far back his influence
in music goes really. I mean we're talking about arranging
Slimy to the Moon for Frank Sinatra.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Wow, Sinatra, Yeah, that's iconic. It is what does arranging
a song like that even entail.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
It's more than just writing notes on a page. Arranging
means taking an existing song and reimagining it for a
specific singer and ensemble. Quincy essentially created the sonic landscape
for Sinatra's voice, okay, deciding which instruments to use, how
they'd interact, and how to build the emotional arc of
the song.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
So he's like the architect of the sound, not just
the songwriter exactly.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
And with Slimy to the Moon, he gave it this timeless,
swinging feel that became Sinatra's signature. It's a testament to
Quincy's ability to tap into a song's essence and elevate
it to an level.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Okay, so that's Sinatra. But he worked with so many
other legends.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Oh, absolutely, Aretha Franklin, Ray, Charles Ella, Fitzgerald, count Basie.
The list goes on and on. And what's remarkable is
how he blended genres. Yeah, he brought jazz sensibilities to
pop music, flag to R and B and orchestral grandeur
to everything he touched.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
You can really hear that in his work, how he
seamlessly leaves together different styles.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
And that versatility is what made him such a sought
after producer. He wasn't confined to one sound or genre.
He could adapt and innovate, bringing out the best and
every artist he collaborated with.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Speaking of collaborations, we can't forget about Michael Jackson, I
mean it, Thriller is the best selling album of all time.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
It's an undeniable cultural phenomenon, it really is. But even
beyond Thriller, Quincy helped shape Michael sound on Off the
Wall and Bad Oh Wow. He brought in top session musicians,
pushed Michael vocally wow, and created these incredibly intricate, layered
productions like he.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Had this Midas touch, Yeah, turning everything into.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Goals he did, and that success wasn't just about hit songs. Yeah,
he understood the business side of music too.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Okay, let's talk about that, because his obituary mentions founding
West Records and then selling it for a fortune.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Yeah. In the eighties, Quincy founded Quest Records, Okay, and
signed some major acts. You might have heard of a
few Okay, Kevin Campbell, Tanamia and this up and coming
group called Boys Two Men.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Boys Two Men. Yes, their harmonies were incredible.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Exactly, and Quincy had a knack for spotting talent and
nurturing it. He understood what it took to build a
successful artist, not just create a hit song.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
And with Quest, he wasn't just making music. He was
building a platform for a new generation of artists.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
But he was creating an empire.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
He was, and it was a smart move because in
nineteen ninety he sold Quest Records to Warner Bros. Forget
this too, hundred and seventy million dollars.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
Wow, that's incredible business savvy, it is. He was really
playing chestnut checkers, right.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
He wasn't just reacting to trends. He was creating them,
telling institutions, and shaping the industry landscape.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
But it wasn't all smooth sailing, right, Right. Does that
other side to Quincy, the one that got him into
hot water? Yeah, with some pretty strong opinions.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Oh yeah, that twenty eighteen Vulture interview. Right, that's where
things get interesting.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Okay, before we dive into the controversy, Yeah, let's talk
about his personal life. A bit Okay. His obituary mentions
he was a father of seven.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
He was, and they all went on to have fascinating careers.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Reflecting Quincy's diverse interest I mean, his daughter Rashida Jones
is a well known actress and even co directed a
documentary about her dad.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
I've seen her in parks and recreations. She's hilarious, she is.
It must have been incredible for her to direct a
film about her own father. It was a.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Deeply personal project. Yeah, and it gives us a glimpse
into Quincy's family life, his struggles than his triumphs. But
his other children also have their own stories. A model,
a fashion designer, a music producer, a photographer, a veterinarian Wow,
and another model.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
Talk about a talented family, it is. It's clear his
influence wasn't just in the studio, but in his personal
life too.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Yeah. Absolutely, and I think that's important to remember as
we delve into his more controversial side. This is a
man who lived a full life with complexities and contradictions.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Right. Yeah, okay, let's get into that twenty eighteen interview.
It made headlines for some pretty blunt assessments of well everyone.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
Yeah, He didn't hold back. It was a no holds
barred conversation about music, politics, everything in between. And of
course it was his comments about the Trumps that really
set the internet on fire.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
So he was talking about the Trumps. This is where
I need all the details, but.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
To put it mildly, he didn't exactly mince words. Okay,
he called Donald Trump a crazy mother of her and
limited mentally. He didn't stop there, adding megalomaniac and narcissist
to the list. These were strong words coming from someone
who had collaborated with so many big personalities over the years.
(06:13):
It wasn't just a casual dismissal.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
You know, those are some serious accusations. Yeah, it sounds
like there's some real anger behind those words.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
There was, and he actually compared Trump's leadership to that
of a symphony conductor. He basically said that a conductor
knows more about how to lead than most business people,
and definitely more than Trump. That comparison is pretty striking
coming from someone who literally led large orchestras and knew
(06:41):
how to get the best out of diverse musicians.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
So he was basically saying Trump lacks the skills and
temperament to lead exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
And there's this one quote that really highlights that point. Okay,
he said, someone who knows about real leadership wouldn't have
as many people against him as he does. He's a
sing idiot. You can hear the frustration in his voice
when you read that.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
Wow, that's a powerful statement. Did he ever walk back
those comments.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
He did issue a general apology later, mainly for some
of the things he said about other musicians, but he
never actually retracted or clarified his statements about the Trumps,
which is pretty telling, right.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
It definitely suggests he stood by those opinions. But he
didn't just talk about Donald Trump, did he.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
No, he also made some claims about Ivanka Trump.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Oh, this should be good. What did he say?
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Well, he claimed to have dated Avanka back in two
thousand and six, when he was seventy two she was
twenty five.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Wow, that's quite an age difference, it is.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And his description of her was well, let's just say
it was colorful, okay. He called her a fine mother metaphor, oh,
my goodness, with the most beautiful legs I ever saw
in my life. Okay, but then he added wrong father.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Though, So he was complimenting her looks while simultaneously insulting
her father. Uh huh classic Quincy. Did Ivanga, ever, was
fond to these claims.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Not publicly, a source close to her denied them.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
Oh wow, but.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Avonka herself never addressed it. Okay, It's one of those
situations where we may never know the full truth.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
It definitely adds another layer of intrigue to an already
fascinating story. Yeah, okay, so we've got the Trump comments,
but I remember reading that he didn't just go after politicians, right.
He also had some harsh words for fellow musicians.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Oh yeah, he didn't hold back on his opinions about
the music industry either, Okay. For example, he called the
Beatles the worst musicians in the world and said that
Paul McCartney was the worst bass player I ever heard.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Ouch. Yeah, those are fighting words for Beatles fans, they are.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
And it's especially interesting because he was known for his
collaborations for bringing people together musically, so to hear him
be so dismissive of such an iconic band was definitely jarring.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Did he call out anyone else in the music world?
Speaker 2 (08:56):
He did. He criticized Taylor Swift's songwriting okay, saying we
need more songs. Man sing songs, not hooks.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
He seemed to be lamenting what he saw as a
decline in substantive songwriting in modern pop music.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
So he was a champion of the craft of the
art of.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
Songwriting, absolutely, and it wasn't just specific artists. He also
criticized the music industry as a whole, saying it had
become too focused on hooks and commercial success at the
expense of genuine artistry.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
It sounds like he wasn't afraid to burn some bridges
with those comments.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
He wasn't, and it did create some tension even within
his own family. His daughters actually staged an intervention after
the interviews.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
And intervention, yeah, that's serious. It was.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
They called him out on his word vomit and bad mouthing,
and he did express regret that his comments overshadowed the
important messages he wanted to convey about racism and poverty.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
So there was some self awareness there, some recognition that
he might have gone too far.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
There was he acknowledged that his blo bluntness could sometimes
be hurtful and that it could distract from the causes
he cared about.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
It's interesting how his legacy is shaped by both his
incredible accomplishments and these controversial outbursts. It's a reminder that
even brilliant people can be flawn.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Absolutely and that's what makes his story so compelling. It's
not a simple narrative of a hero can do no wrong.
It's a much more complex and human story well contradictions
and complexities.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Okay, so we've talked about his music, his business ventures,
his controversial statements, his family. But I want to circle
back to his incredible wealth. His obituary mention he was
worth an estimated five hundred million dollars at the time
of his death. Right, where did all that money come from?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Well, the Michael Jackson albums were obviously a huge factor. Stiller,
off the Wall, Bad, Yeah, those albums generated massive royalties
and Quincy continued to earn from them for decades.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
But he was also a savvy businessman in his own rights. Yes,
we talked about Quest Records, which he sold for a fortune.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Exactly, and he didn't stop there. He founded Quincy Jones Entertainment,
which produced films, television shows, and even Broadway plays. And
let's not forget about Quest broadcasting.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Remind me what that was.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
Again, he bought TV stations in Atlanta and New Orleans
in the eighties for a whopping one hundred and sixty
seven million dollars.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
He clearly understood the power of media and how to
leverage it for financial success.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Yeah. So he was a multifaceted entrepreneur, building businesses across
different industries.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
He was, and he wasn't afraid to diversify his investment.
In addition to music and media, he also invested in
real estate, which is a classic wealth building strategy for sure.
And let's not forget about that massive compound in bel
Air that he owned.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Right his obituary mentioned that property. Yeah, it must have
been worth a.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Fortunes tens of millions easily, So you can see how
he accumulated such a vast fortune. It was a combination
of his musical talent, his business acumen, and his willingness
to take calculated risks.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
It's really an incredible story of success. It is both
artistically and financially, and it's a.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Testament to his vision, his drive, and his unwavering belief
in himself. He was a true renaissance man who left
an indelible mark on the world.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
But as we've discussed, he wasn't without his flaws, his
controversial statements, his blunt assessments. They definitely complicated his legacy, they.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Did, and it raises some interesting questions about how we
reconcile the good and the bad.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Right, the brilliance in the flaws.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Okay, So where do we go from here? We've covered
so much ground, from his early days arranging for Sinatra
to the massive success of Thriller, to the controversy of
that twenty eighteen interview. How do we even begin to
sum up a life as complex and impactful as Quincy Jones.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
It's a challenge, for sure, it is, But I think
one way to approach it is to focus on the
impact he had on others. Okay, his collaborations, for instance,
are a great example of how he elevated the careers
of so many artists.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Yeah, let's talk more about those collaborations, because beyond the names,
I'd love to understand what made them so special, how
he approached working with other artists.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
That's a great point, because it wasn't just about working
with big names, it was about the magic he created
with them. For example, his work with Frank Sinatra and
Ray Charles had a profound impact on both their careers
and the music industry as a whole.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Let's start with Sinatra.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
What was it about their collaboration that made it so special?
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Their partnership was truly something special. It spanned decades, beginning
in nineteen fifty eight, really and lasting until Sinatra's final
album in nineteen eighty four.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Wow, that's a long time it is. They must have
add a strong connection.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
They did. Quincy arranged and conducted for Sinatra, contributing to
some of his most iconic recordings. And you know what's amazing,
arranged Sinatra's legendary version of Flimey to the Moon Get Out.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
That's incredible it is. I bet that arrangement played a
big part in making that song such a classic it did.
What was it about Quincy's arrangement that stood out?
Speaker 2 (14:14):
He gave the song this timeless, swinging feel that became
synonymous with Sinatra. Yeah, imagine it. You're transported back to
a smoky jazz club in the sixties. Okay, Sinatra's smooth
vocals backed by a lush orchestra, all orchestrated by Quincy Jones.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
I can practically hear it now. That arrangement really did
become a part of our cultural fabric, didn't it It did?
Speaker 2 (14:36):
It even played during the nineteen sixty nine Moon landing.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
No way, Yes, talk about a lasting legacy, it is.
It's mind blowing to think that Quincy Jones's work was
part of such a historic event. Yeah, their relationship wasn't
just professional, though, was it.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
You're right? After Sinatra passed away, Yeah, he left Quincy
his ring bearing the Sinatra family crest. Oh wow, that's
a gesture that goes beyond professional respect.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
It really shows the depth of their bond. It does.
A gift like that speaks volumes about their mutual admiration
and shared love for music.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
It does.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
And what about Ray Charles? I know they had a
long history together as well.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
They were lifelong friends. Their friendship started when they were young,
Oh wow, and continued throughout their careers.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
That's incredible.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
It was a genuine connection built on their shared passion
for jazz.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
That's wonderful. Did they have any particularly notable collaborations.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
One of their most famous projects together was Charles's nineteen
sixty one album Genius plus Soul Jazzy. Quincy produced and
arranged several tracks on that album, including the hit song
one Mint Julip, which reached the top ten.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
So they had commercial success together early on. They did
their partnership continue after that?
Speaker 2 (15:49):
It did. Quincy also composed in the Heat of the
Night for Charles Okay, which became another hit. Cool, and
what's really beautiful is that Quincy once said that he
and Charles lived about each and every one of our
dreams together.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
It sounds like they truly pushed each other creatively and
achieved remarkable things together.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
They did. And you know what strikes me. These collaborations
with Sinatra and Charles show Quincy's unique ability to work
across genres to elevate the work of other artists. Yeah,
this wasn't just about him. It was about amplifying the
talents of those around him.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
That's a great point. Yes, it wasn't just about the
individual songs or albums they produce, right, it was about
their lasting impact on the music industry. It was they
really did shape the sound of popular music for generations
to come. Yeah, they pushed boundaries, blended genres, and created
a legacy that still resonates today.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Absolutely, and that's what makes Quincy Jones such a fascinating figure.
He was a collaborator, a mentor, a visionary. He was
a driving force in music right, but also a shrewd
businessman who built a media empire.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
And that's the thing that keeps coming back to me.
How do we reconcile the musical genius, yeah, the savvy
businessman with the man who made those incredibly controversial statements.
It feels like there are multiple Quincy Joneses all wrapped
up in one person.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
That's the million dollar question, isn't it? And I don't
think there's a simple answer. It's true he was full
of contradictions, capable of great artistry and empathy, but also
prone to those blunt pronouncements that rubbed some people the
wrong way.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
It's a lot to process. On one hand, he broke
down racial barriers in the music industry, champions social justice causes,
and mentored countless artists. But then there's that shadow cast
by his controversial statements. How do we make sense of
it all?
Speaker 2 (17:43):
I think it's important to acknowledge both sides of the coin.
We can admire his accomplishments while also recognizing that his
words sometimes caused harm. It's a reminder that even those
we consider heroes are human, capable of both brilliance and flaws.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
So how do we reconcile those two sides.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
Maybe it's not about reconciling them, but rather about holding
both truths in our minds, acknowledging the complexity of a
person's life, recognizing that greatness and imperfection can exist side
by side.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
That's a really good point. It's about seeing the full picture,
the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the messy. And
ultimately it's up to each of us to decide how
we weigh those different aspects of his legacy exactly.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
And maybe that's the most valuable takeaway from the Deep Dives.
It's not about arriving at a definitive answer. It's but
about prompting deeper reflection and encouraging you to grapple with
the complexities of a life as rich and multifaceted as
Quincy Jones's.
Speaker 1 (18:43):
I love that. So as we wrap up our exploration
of Quincy Jones's life, I want to leave you with
a final thought provoking question to ponder. Okay, it's something
to consider as you continue to explore his music, his films,
and his interviews. I'm listening do you think Quincy Jones's
controversial statements overshadow his incredible legacy, or do they simply
(19:07):
add another layer to a complex and fascinating life. There's
no right or wrong answer. It's about forming your own
opinion based on the full scope of his story.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Well said, and I think that's what makes deep dives
like this so rewarding. They invite us to go beyond
the surface, engage with history and culture in a more
nuanced way. It's about embracing the messiness of the human
experience and coming to our own conclusions.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Exactly, and with a figure like Quincy Jones, Yeah, there's
always more to uncover or to learn, more to discuss
for sure. To keep exploring, keep listening, and keep questioning.
You never know what you might discover when you take
a deep dive.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
That's right.
What to do when you have a Welcome to this
deep dive into the life of Quincy Jones. Yeah, sadly
passed away just a few days ago at the age
of ninety one.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
I know you're a music fan, so we're going to
go way beyond the usual headlines, beyond the whole Twincy
Jones produced Thriller's narrative and really unpack his incredible and
at times controversial journey.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Yes, there's so much more to Quincy Jones than that
one massive achievement, so it's certainly an impressive one for sure.
What's fascinating is how he seemed to have his hands
in everything across the entertainment industry everywhere for decades. It's true,
it's unbelievable.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Okay, let's set the stage. Okay. We've got his obituary
from The New York Times, a couple of articles about
his career highlights, okay, and of course that explosive twenty
eighteen Vulture interview. Oh yes, where he really let loose.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
That interview certainly made waves. But let's start with the
foundation of his career.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
You might be surprised at how far back his influence
in music goes really. I mean we're talking about arranging
Slimy to the Moon for Frank Sinatra.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Wow, Sinatra, Yeah, that's iconic. It is what does arranging
a song like that even entail.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
It's more than just writing notes on a page. Arranging
means taking an existing song and reimagining it for a
specific singer and ensemble. Quincy essentially created the sonic landscape
for Sinatra's voice, okay, deciding which instruments to use, how
they'd interact, and how to build the emotional arc of
the song.
Speaker 1 (01:44):
So he's like the architect of the sound, not just
the songwriter exactly.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
And with Slimy to the Moon, he gave it this timeless,
swinging feel that became Sinatra's signature. It's a testament to
Quincy's ability to tap into a song's essence and elevate
it to an level.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Okay, so that's Sinatra. But he worked with so many
other legends.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Oh, absolutely, Aretha Franklin, Ray, Charles Ella, Fitzgerald, count Basie.
The list goes on and on. And what's remarkable is
how he blended genres. Yeah, he brought jazz sensibilities to
pop music, flag to R and B and orchestral grandeur
to everything he touched.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
You can really hear that in his work, how he
seamlessly leaves together different styles.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
And that versatility is what made him such a sought
after producer. He wasn't confined to one sound or genre.
He could adapt and innovate, bringing out the best and
every artist he collaborated with.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Speaking of collaborations, we can't forget about Michael Jackson, I
mean it, Thriller is the best selling album of all time.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
It's an undeniable cultural phenomenon, it really is. But even
beyond Thriller, Quincy helped shape Michael sound on Off the
Wall and Bad Oh Wow. He brought in top session musicians,
pushed Michael vocally wow, and created these incredibly intricate, layered
productions like he.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Had this Midas touch, Yeah, turning everything into.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Goals he did, and that success wasn't just about hit songs. Yeah,
he understood the business side of music too.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Okay, let's talk about that, because his obituary mentions founding
West Records and then selling it for a fortune.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Yeah. In the eighties, Quincy founded Quest Records, Okay, and
signed some major acts. You might have heard of a
few Okay, Kevin Campbell, Tanamia and this up and coming
group called Boys Two Men.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Boys Two Men. Yes, their harmonies were incredible.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Exactly, and Quincy had a knack for spotting talent and
nurturing it. He understood what it took to build a
successful artist, not just create a hit song.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
And with Quest, he wasn't just making music. He was
building a platform for a new generation of artists.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
But he was creating an empire.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
He was, and it was a smart move because in
nineteen ninety he sold Quest Records to Warner Bros. Forget
this too, hundred and seventy million dollars.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
Wow, that's incredible business savvy, it is. He was really
playing chestnut checkers, right.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
He wasn't just reacting to trends. He was creating them,
telling institutions, and shaping the industry landscape.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
But it wasn't all smooth sailing, right, Right. Does that
other side to Quincy, the one that got him into
hot water? Yeah, with some pretty strong opinions.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Oh yeah, that twenty eighteen Vulture interview. Right, that's where
things get interesting.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Okay, before we dive into the controversy, Yeah, let's talk
about his personal life. A bit Okay. His obituary mentions
he was a father of seven.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
He was, and they all went on to have fascinating careers.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Reflecting Quincy's diverse interest I mean, his daughter Rashida Jones
is a well known actress and even co directed a
documentary about her dad.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
I've seen her in parks and recreations. She's hilarious, she is.
It must have been incredible for her to direct a
film about her own father. It was a.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Deeply personal project. Yeah, and it gives us a glimpse
into Quincy's family life, his struggles than his triumphs. But
his other children also have their own stories. A model,
a fashion designer, a music producer, a photographer, a veterinarian Wow,
and another model.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
Talk about a talented family, it is. It's clear his
influence wasn't just in the studio, but in his personal
life too.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Yeah. Absolutely, and I think that's important to remember as
we delve into his more controversial side. This is a
man who lived a full life with complexities and contradictions.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Right. Yeah, okay, let's get into that twenty eighteen interview.
It made headlines for some pretty blunt assessments of well everyone.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
Yeah, He didn't hold back. It was a no holds
barred conversation about music, politics, everything in between. And of
course it was his comments about the Trumps that really
set the internet on fire.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
So he was talking about the Trumps. This is where
I need all the details, but.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
To put it mildly, he didn't exactly mince words. Okay,
he called Donald Trump a crazy mother of her and
limited mentally. He didn't stop there, adding megalomaniac and narcissist
to the list. These were strong words coming from someone
who had collaborated with so many big personalities over the years.
(06:13):
It wasn't just a casual dismissal.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
You know, those are some serious accusations. Yeah, it sounds
like there's some real anger behind those words.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
There was, and he actually compared Trump's leadership to that
of a symphony conductor. He basically said that a conductor
knows more about how to lead than most business people,
and definitely more than Trump. That comparison is pretty striking
coming from someone who literally led large orchestras and knew
(06:41):
how to get the best out of diverse musicians.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
So he was basically saying Trump lacks the skills and
temperament to lead exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
And there's this one quote that really highlights that point. Okay,
he said, someone who knows about real leadership wouldn't have
as many people against him as he does. He's a
sing idiot. You can hear the frustration in his voice
when you read that.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
Wow, that's a powerful statement. Did he ever walk back
those comments.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
He did issue a general apology later, mainly for some
of the things he said about other musicians, but he
never actually retracted or clarified his statements about the Trumps,
which is pretty telling, right.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
It definitely suggests he stood by those opinions. But he
didn't just talk about Donald Trump, did he.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
No, he also made some claims about Ivanka Trump.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Oh, this should be good. What did he say?
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Well, he claimed to have dated Avanka back in two
thousand and six, when he was seventy two she was
twenty five.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Wow, that's quite an age difference, it is.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And his description of her was well, let's just say
it was colorful, okay. He called her a fine mother metaphor, oh,
my goodness, with the most beautiful legs I ever saw
in my life. Okay, but then he added wrong father.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Though, So he was complimenting her looks while simultaneously insulting
her father. Uh huh classic Quincy. Did Ivanga, ever, was
fond to these claims.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Not publicly, a source close to her denied them.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
Oh wow, but.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Avonka herself never addressed it. Okay, It's one of those
situations where we may never know the full truth.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
It definitely adds another layer of intrigue to an already
fascinating story. Yeah, okay, so we've got the Trump comments,
but I remember reading that he didn't just go after politicians, right.
He also had some harsh words for fellow musicians.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Oh yeah, he didn't hold back on his opinions about
the music industry either, Okay. For example, he called the
Beatles the worst musicians in the world and said that
Paul McCartney was the worst bass player I ever heard.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Ouch. Yeah, those are fighting words for Beatles fans, they are.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
And it's especially interesting because he was known for his
collaborations for bringing people together musically, so to hear him
be so dismissive of such an iconic band was definitely jarring.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Did he call out anyone else in the music world?
Speaker 2 (08:56):
He did. He criticized Taylor Swift's songwriting okay, saying we
need more songs. Man sing songs, not hooks.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
He seemed to be lamenting what he saw as a
decline in substantive songwriting in modern pop music.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
So he was a champion of the craft of the
art of.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
Songwriting, absolutely, and it wasn't just specific artists. He also
criticized the music industry as a whole, saying it had
become too focused on hooks and commercial success at the
expense of genuine artistry.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
It sounds like he wasn't afraid to burn some bridges
with those comments.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
He wasn't, and it did create some tension even within
his own family. His daughters actually staged an intervention after
the interviews.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
And intervention, yeah, that's serious. It was.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
They called him out on his word vomit and bad mouthing,
and he did express regret that his comments overshadowed the
important messages he wanted to convey about racism and poverty.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
So there was some self awareness there, some recognition that
he might have gone too far.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
There was he acknowledged that his blo bluntness could sometimes
be hurtful and that it could distract from the causes
he cared about.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
It's interesting how his legacy is shaped by both his
incredible accomplishments and these controversial outbursts. It's a reminder that
even brilliant people can be flawn.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Absolutely and that's what makes his story so compelling. It's
not a simple narrative of a hero can do no wrong.
It's a much more complex and human story well contradictions
and complexities.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Okay, so we've talked about his music, his business ventures,
his controversial statements, his family. But I want to circle
back to his incredible wealth. His obituary mention he was
worth an estimated five hundred million dollars at the time
of his death. Right, where did all that money come from?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Well, the Michael Jackson albums were obviously a huge factor. Stiller,
off the Wall, Bad, Yeah, those albums generated massive royalties
and Quincy continued to earn from them for decades.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
But he was also a savvy businessman in his own rights. Yes,
we talked about Quest Records, which he sold for a fortune.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Exactly, and he didn't stop there. He founded Quincy Jones Entertainment,
which produced films, television shows, and even Broadway plays. And
let's not forget about Quest broadcasting.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Remind me what that was.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
Again, he bought TV stations in Atlanta and New Orleans
in the eighties for a whopping one hundred and sixty
seven million dollars.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
He clearly understood the power of media and how to
leverage it for financial success.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Yeah. So he was a multifaceted entrepreneur, building businesses across
different industries.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
He was, and he wasn't afraid to diversify his investment.
In addition to music and media, he also invested in
real estate, which is a classic wealth building strategy for sure.
And let's not forget about that massive compound in bel
Air that he owned.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Right his obituary mentioned that property. Yeah, it must have
been worth a.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Fortunes tens of millions easily, So you can see how
he accumulated such a vast fortune. It was a combination
of his musical talent, his business acumen, and his willingness
to take calculated risks.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
It's really an incredible story of success. It is both
artistically and financially, and it's a.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Testament to his vision, his drive, and his unwavering belief
in himself. He was a true renaissance man who left
an indelible mark on the world.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
But as we've discussed, he wasn't without his flaws, his
controversial statements, his blunt assessments. They definitely complicated his legacy, they.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Did, and it raises some interesting questions about how we
reconcile the good and the bad.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Right, the brilliance in the flaws.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Okay, So where do we go from here? We've covered
so much ground, from his early days arranging for Sinatra
to the massive success of Thriller, to the controversy of
that twenty eighteen interview. How do we even begin to
sum up a life as complex and impactful as Quincy Jones.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
It's a challenge, for sure, it is, But I think
one way to approach it is to focus on the
impact he had on others. Okay, his collaborations, for instance,
are a great example of how he elevated the careers
of so many artists.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Yeah, let's talk more about those collaborations, because beyond the names,
I'd love to understand what made them so special, how
he approached working with other artists.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
That's a great point, because it wasn't just about working
with big names, it was about the magic he created
with them. For example, his work with Frank Sinatra and
Ray Charles had a profound impact on both their careers
and the music industry as a whole.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Let's start with Sinatra.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
What was it about their collaboration that made it so special?
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Their partnership was truly something special. It spanned decades, beginning
in nineteen fifty eight, really and lasting until Sinatra's final
album in nineteen eighty four.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Wow, that's a long time it is. They must have
add a strong connection.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
They did. Quincy arranged and conducted for Sinatra, contributing to
some of his most iconic recordings. And you know what's amazing,
arranged Sinatra's legendary version of Flimey to the Moon Get Out.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
That's incredible it is. I bet that arrangement played a
big part in making that song such a classic it did.
What was it about Quincy's arrangement that stood out?
Speaker 2 (14:14):
He gave the song this timeless, swinging feel that became
synonymous with Sinatra. Yeah, imagine it. You're transported back to
a smoky jazz club in the sixties. Okay, Sinatra's smooth
vocals backed by a lush orchestra, all orchestrated by Quincy Jones.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
I can practically hear it now. That arrangement really did
become a part of our cultural fabric, didn't it It did?
Speaker 2 (14:36):
It even played during the nineteen sixty nine Moon landing.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
No way, Yes, talk about a lasting legacy, it is.
It's mind blowing to think that Quincy Jones's work was
part of such a historic event. Yeah, their relationship wasn't
just professional, though, was it.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
You're right? After Sinatra passed away, Yeah, he left Quincy
his ring bearing the Sinatra family crest. Oh wow, that's
a gesture that goes beyond professional respect.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
It really shows the depth of their bond. It does.
A gift like that speaks volumes about their mutual admiration
and shared love for music.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
It does.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
And what about Ray Charles? I know they had a
long history together as well.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
They were lifelong friends. Their friendship started when they were young,
Oh wow, and continued throughout their careers.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
That's incredible.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
It was a genuine connection built on their shared passion
for jazz.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
That's wonderful. Did they have any particularly notable collaborations.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
One of their most famous projects together was Charles's nineteen
sixty one album Genius plus Soul Jazzy. Quincy produced and
arranged several tracks on that album, including the hit song
one Mint Julip, which reached the top ten.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
So they had commercial success together early on. They did
their partnership continue after that?
Speaker 2 (15:49):
It did. Quincy also composed in the Heat of the
Night for Charles Okay, which became another hit. Cool, and
what's really beautiful is that Quincy once said that he
and Charles lived about each and every one of our
dreams together.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
It sounds like they truly pushed each other creatively and
achieved remarkable things together.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
They did. And you know what strikes me. These collaborations
with Sinatra and Charles show Quincy's unique ability to work
across genres to elevate the work of other artists. Yeah,
this wasn't just about him. It was about amplifying the
talents of those around him.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
That's a great point. Yes, it wasn't just about the
individual songs or albums they produce, right, it was about
their lasting impact on the music industry. It was they
really did shape the sound of popular music for generations
to come. Yeah, they pushed boundaries, blended genres, and created
a legacy that still resonates today.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Absolutely, and that's what makes Quincy Jones such a fascinating figure.
He was a collaborator, a mentor, a visionary. He was
a driving force in music right, but also a shrewd
businessman who built a media empire.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
And that's the thing that keeps coming back to me.
How do we reconcile the musical genius, yeah, the savvy
businessman with the man who made those incredibly controversial statements.
It feels like there are multiple Quincy Joneses all wrapped
up in one person.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
That's the million dollar question, isn't it? And I don't
think there's a simple answer. It's true he was full
of contradictions, capable of great artistry and empathy, but also
prone to those blunt pronouncements that rubbed some people the
wrong way.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
It's a lot to process. On one hand, he broke
down racial barriers in the music industry, champions social justice causes,
and mentored countless artists. But then there's that shadow cast
by his controversial statements. How do we make sense of
it all?
Speaker 2 (17:43):
I think it's important to acknowledge both sides of the coin.
We can admire his accomplishments while also recognizing that his
words sometimes caused harm. It's a reminder that even those
we consider heroes are human, capable of both brilliance and flaws.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
So how do we reconcile those two sides.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
Maybe it's not about reconciling them, but rather about holding
both truths in our minds, acknowledging the complexity of a
person's life, recognizing that greatness and imperfection can exist side
by side.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
That's a really good point. It's about seeing the full picture,
the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the messy. And
ultimately it's up to each of us to decide how
we weigh those different aspects of his legacy exactly.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
And maybe that's the most valuable takeaway from the Deep Dives.
It's not about arriving at a definitive answer. It's but
about prompting deeper reflection and encouraging you to grapple with
the complexities of a life as rich and multifaceted as
Quincy Jones's.
Speaker 1 (18:43):
I love that. So as we wrap up our exploration
of Quincy Jones's life, I want to leave you with
a final thought provoking question to ponder. Okay, it's something
to consider as you continue to explore his music, his films,
and his interviews. I'm listening do you think Quincy Jones's
controversial statements overshadow his incredible legacy, or do they simply
(19:07):
add another layer to a complex and fascinating life. There's
no right or wrong answer. It's about forming your own
opinion based on the full scope of his story.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Well said, and I think that's what makes deep dives
like this so rewarding. They invite us to go beyond
the surface, engage with history and culture in a more
nuanced way. It's about embracing the messiness of the human
experience and coming to our own conclusions.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Exactly, and with a figure like Quincy Jones, Yeah, there's
always more to uncover or to learn, more to discuss
for sure. To keep exploring, keep listening, and keep questioning.
You never know what you might discover when you take
a deep dive.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
That's right.
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