Quincy Jones’ cause of death has been revealed.
The late legendary producer and composer died on November 3 at the age of 91. At the time, a cause of death was not revealed. That has now changed, with CNN reporting that it had obtained Jones’ death certificate, which shows the producer’s actual cause of death.
Per CNN, Quincy Jones died from pancreatic cancer. The report showed that he had been living with the illness for years, though this information was never made public. No other contributing factors led to his death.
Throughout his storied career, Jones worked with countless artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Michael Jackson among others, with whom he famously produced the iconic albums ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’. ‘Thriller’ is still the biggest selling album of all time.
He also oversaw the all-star recording of 1985 charity record ‘We Are The World’, which was helmed by himself, Jackson, Lionel Richie and producer Michael Omartian and raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia in 1985.
He was laid to rest at a private family funeral in Los Angeles exactly a week after his death. A larger, more public memorial is also being planned. His family saying that the “intimate ceremony included Mr. Jones’ seven children, his brother, two sisters, and immediate family members.”
Paul McCartney has since honoured Jones, penning a lengthy tribute post on social media where he recalled being introduced to Jones via The Beatles‘ producer George Martin and his “very positive, loving spirit”.
Among the numerous people who have paid tribute to Jones since the news of his death include Nile Rodgers, Michael Caine, Will Smith and more. Current United States Vice President Kamala Harris also honoured Quincy Jones, calling him a “trailblazer” and acknowledged his contributions to “civil and human rights”.
His daughter Rashida Jones also paid tribute to her father in a lengthy post on social media. “He was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius,” she wrote. “All accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy.”