Noise #180: Remembering Q

Music inspired by the legacy, creativity, and international impact of Quincy Jones.

I really appreciated the depth and nuance of The New York Times’ obituary for Quincy Jones, who died last night at the age of 91.

The Times calls Jones a “giant of American music,” and that he was. From Count Basie to Thriller to “We Are The World,” he had a monumental impact.

In particular, I love how the Times obituary closes:

But even his not-fully-realized back-burner projects tell a story of their own, a kind of secondary biography of the obsessions and connections of a constantly busy man. Among them were a musical about Sammy Davis Jr.; a Cirque du Soleil show on the history of Black American music, from its African roots; a film about Brazilian carnivals; a film version of Ralph Ellison’s unfinished novel “Juneteenth”; and a film on the life of Alexander Pushkin, the Russian poet who was said to be of African origin.

Such interesting projects derived from such a fascinating range of inspirations—and so much of it committed to sharing vital stories of Black American music and heritage.

Years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Jones backstage after a Thelonious Monk Competition concert and interviewing him for Keyboard magazine. Though our interaction was brief, I remember him engaging with kindness and respect.

I recorded Noise #180 thinking about the music Jones crafted with such richness, and how he leveraged that music to forge positive connections across great divides. Noise #180 also reflects sweet memories of the short conversation we shared, and the echoes of a musical legacy that continues to make the world feel a bit more united, and a bit more beautiful.

I hope you enjoy listening:

Wishing you peace,

Michael

(Noise #180 by Michael Gallant. Copyright 2024 Gallant Music LLC. All Rights Reserved.)