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Legendary And Multifaceted Music Maestro, Quincy Jones, dies at 91

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Quincy Jones, the legendary and multifaceted music producer known for his work with icons like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Surrounded by his family in his Bel Air home, the news of his death was confirmed by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, and reported by Yahoo and The Guardian on Monday.

Jones’ loved ones shared a heartfelt statement: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing.

“And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Renowned for his unmatched contribution to music, Quincy Jones’ career spanned more than 70 years, earning him an indelible place in history as one of the most awarded artists ever.

With 28 Grammy wins from 80 nominations, he stands as the third most-decorated Grammy winner, surpassed only by Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who hold 88 nominations each, reports the Guardian.

Reflecting on his diverse musical journey, Jones once noted: “When people write about the music, jazz is in this box, R&B is in this box, pop is in this box, but we did everything.”

Jones’ influence extended beyond his accolades.

The legendary producer behind Michael Jackson’s top hits in 2017 won $9.4 million in damages from the late superstar’s estate over posthumous works.

A jury in Los Angeles sided with the 84-year-old producer but gave him only part of the $30 million he was seeking.

He famously produced Michael Jackson’s iconic albums Thriller, Off the Wall, and Bad, which reshaped the landscape of pop music.

His versatility was evident in his collaborations with artists across genres, including Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, George Benson, and Dizzy Gillespie. His legacy includes co-writing and producing the global charity single We Are The World, a song that brought together some of the greatest voices for humanitarian causes.

In addition, he was a successful composer of numerous film scores, bringing his musical touch to Hollywood classics.

Quincy’s talents transcended music alone; he founded his own TV and film production company in 1990, achieving notable success with beloved projects like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Color Purple.

His entrepreneurial spirit continued with the launch of Qwest TV in 2017, an on-demand music streaming service that showcased his enduring dedication to the art form.

Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’ early years were marked by resilience and discovery. After his parents’ separation, he moved to Washington state with his father, where he began exploring his musical talents.

By 14, he was playing in a band with a young Ray Charles, even once backing the legendary Billie Holiday. His path led him to New York after studying music in university, where he performed with jazz band leader Lionel Hampton and played trumpet for Elvis Presley’s first television appearances.

Jones’ career took a defining turn when he became a producer and arranger at Mercury Records, also beginning his work in film scoring. Notably, he was the first African American to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song with The Eyes of Love from Banning in 1968, the first of his seven nominations.

Quincy Jones lifetime
Despite his towering success, Quincy’s life was not without its perils. He narrowly escaped death during the infamous 1969 Manson family murders, having forgotten an engagement at Sharon Tate’s house that night. He also survived a brain aneurysm in 1974, a testament to his resilience.

Yahoo reported that Jones’ personal life was as storied as his career. Married three times, he first wed his high school sweetheart, Jeri Caldwell, in a union that lasted nine years and brought forth their daughter Jolie. His second marriage to Ulla Andersson produced two children, Quincy Jr. and Martina, before ending in 1974. That same year, he married actress Peggy Lipton, with whom he had daughters Rashida and Kidada; the couple separated in 1989. Jones also fathered daughter Rachel with Carol Reynolds and had another daughter, Kenya, with actress Nastassja Kinski.

The Guardian described Jones as “widely and wildly talented,” a true industry titan whose influence spanned generations and genres. His family’s statement echoes the sentiment of millions: “We celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

In an era where music boundaries were sharply defined, Quincy Jones stood as a beacon of boundless creativity and collaboration. His legacy is an enduring reminder of the power of music to bridge divides and inspire greatness.

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Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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