Legendary music titan Quincy Jones (91) and LA Law actor Alan Rachins (82) pass away
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The world of music has lost one of its brightest stars and most influential figures with the passing of Quincy Jones at 91.
Quincy Jones, a name synonymous with musical genius, has left behind a legacy that transcends generations and genres.
His work has shaped the soundtrack of our lives, from Frank Sinatra's swinging hits to Michael Jackson's groundbreaking pop.
Arnold Robinson, Jones’ publicist, said he passed away Monday night, 4 November, at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
‘Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones' passing,’ the family said in a statement.
‘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.’
Quincy Jones' journey from the gang-ridden streets of Chicago's South Side to the pinnacle of global entertainment is a testament to his unparalleled talent and determination.
He became one of the first Black executives to make his mark in Hollywood, and his influence extended far beyond the recording studio.
Jones was a visionary who worked with a who's who of the music industry, including legends like Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie.
His collaborations with Frank Sinatra are the stuff of legend, with Jones arranging and conducting some of Sinatra's most memorable recordings.
But it was his partnership with Michael Jackson that catapulted him to a level of fame that few music producers ever achieve.
Together, they created albums that defined an era and changed the face of music forever. Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad are not just collections of songs; they are cultural milestones that continue to influence artists across the globe.
Jones' ability to blend different musical styles was unparalleled. He infused pop with disco, funk, rock, R&B, jazz, and even African chants to create a sound that was both innovative and universally appealing.
His work on Thriller alone, with its unforgettable tracks like 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It’, showcased his genius for production and his knack for bringing out the best in the artists he worked with.
Thriller sold more than 20 million copies in 1983 and became the best-selling album of all time.
‘If an album doesn't do well, everyone says "it was the producer's fault"; so if it does well, it should be your “fault”, too,’ Jones said in an interview with the Library of Congress in 2016.
‘The tracks don't just all of a sudden appear. The producer has to have the skill, experience and ability to guide the vision to completion.’
But Quincy Jones was more than just a music producer. He was a composer, arranger, conductor, and instrumentalist.
He scored films and television shows, including Roots and In the Heat of the Night, and his influence extended into the philanthropic realm.
He was instrumental in the production of 'We Are the World’, the charity single that raised millions for famine relief in Africa.
His accolades are numerous and well-deserved, including a staggering 28 Grammy Awards, two honorary Academy Awards, and an Emmy.
France honoured him with the Legion d'Honneur, and the Kennedy Center paid tribute to his contributions to American culture.
Documentaries and films have portrayed his life and work, and his autobiography, Q, became a bestseller.
You can watch CBS Sunday Morning’s video about Quincy Jones below:
Credit: CBS Sunday Morning / YouTube
In other news, the entertainment industry and fans are mourning the loss of a television icon, Alan Rachins, whose memorable performances in LA Law and Dharma & Greg left an indelible mark on the small screen.
Alan Rachins passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, drama, and heartfelt moments that resonated with audiences around the world.
Born on 3 October 1942 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and raised in Brookline, Rachins' journey into acting began on the stage.
His passion for performance led him to Broadway and off-Broadway productions, where he honed his craft before transitioning to television and film.
Rachins' on-screen career, which dates back to the 1970s, saw him take on a variety of roles that showcased his versatility as an actor.
However, it was his portrayal of the meticulous lawyer Douglas Brackman Jr. on LA Law from 1986 to 1994 that catapulted him to stardom.
His character became a household name, earning him a place in the hearts of viewers and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
In 1997, Rachins once again captured the attention of television audiences as the eccentric and lovable father Larry Finkelstein on the hit sitcom Dharma & Greg.
His comedic timing and on-screen chemistry with the cast contributed to the show's success during its five-year run.
Throughout his decades-long career, Rachins graced our screens in numerous other TV titles, including appearances on Dallas, The Golden Girls, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Rizzoli & Isles, General Hospital, and Young Sheldon.
His film credits are equally impressive, with roles in Always (1985), Showgirls (1995), Leave It To Beaver (1997), and Angels on Tap (2018).
Rachins' most recent film credit came in 2023 with the short film The Lights Above, directed by Luke J. Salewski, proving that his passion for acting never waned.
His manager, Mark Teitelbaum, shared the news of his passing, relaying a statement from Rachins' family.
He said the actor ‘died peacefully in his sleep this past weekend, due to heart failure’. The statement also said ‘the family thanks everyone for this outpouring of affection' and 'they will plan a celebration of life in the next few months’.
Alan Rachins is survived by his wife, actress Joanna Frank, and their son Robert.
You can watch one of Alan Rachin’s videos below:
Credit: ALRvideos / YouTube
Quincy Jones and Alan Rachins may have left us, but their love for music and acting will forever remain a beacon of creativity and excellence.
Rest in peace, Quincy and Alan.
Quincy Jones, a name synonymous with musical genius, has left behind a legacy that transcends generations and genres.
His work has shaped the soundtrack of our lives, from Frank Sinatra's swinging hits to Michael Jackson's groundbreaking pop.
Arnold Robinson, Jones’ publicist, said he passed away Monday night, 4 November, at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
‘Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones' passing,’ the family said in a statement.
‘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.’
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones passed away at 91. Credit: @quincyjones / Instagram
Quincy Jones' journey from the gang-ridden streets of Chicago's South Side to the pinnacle of global entertainment is a testament to his unparalleled talent and determination.
He became one of the first Black executives to make his mark in Hollywood, and his influence extended far beyond the recording studio.
Jones was a visionary who worked with a who's who of the music industry, including legends like Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie.
His collaborations with Frank Sinatra are the stuff of legend, with Jones arranging and conducting some of Sinatra's most memorable recordings.
But it was his partnership with Michael Jackson that catapulted him to a level of fame that few music producers ever achieve.
Together, they created albums that defined an era and changed the face of music forever. Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad are not just collections of songs; they are cultural milestones that continue to influence artists across the globe.
Jones' ability to blend different musical styles was unparalleled. He infused pop with disco, funk, rock, R&B, jazz, and even African chants to create a sound that was both innovative and universally appealing.
His work on Thriller alone, with its unforgettable tracks like 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It’, showcased his genius for production and his knack for bringing out the best in the artists he worked with.
Thriller sold more than 20 million copies in 1983 and became the best-selling album of all time.
‘If an album doesn't do well, everyone says "it was the producer's fault"; so if it does well, it should be your “fault”, too,’ Jones said in an interview with the Library of Congress in 2016.
‘The tracks don't just all of a sudden appear. The producer has to have the skill, experience and ability to guide the vision to completion.’
But Quincy Jones was more than just a music producer. He was a composer, arranger, conductor, and instrumentalist.
He scored films and television shows, including Roots and In the Heat of the Night, and his influence extended into the philanthropic realm.
He was instrumental in the production of 'We Are the World’, the charity single that raised millions for famine relief in Africa.
His accolades are numerous and well-deserved, including a staggering 28 Grammy Awards, two honorary Academy Awards, and an Emmy.
France honoured him with the Legion d'Honneur, and the Kennedy Center paid tribute to his contributions to American culture.
Documentaries and films have portrayed his life and work, and his autobiography, Q, became a bestseller.
You can watch CBS Sunday Morning’s video about Quincy Jones below:
Credit: CBS Sunday Morning / YouTube
In other news, the entertainment industry and fans are mourning the loss of a television icon, Alan Rachins, whose memorable performances in LA Law and Dharma & Greg left an indelible mark on the small screen.
Alan Rachins passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, drama, and heartfelt moments that resonated with audiences around the world.
Born on 3 October 1942 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and raised in Brookline, Rachins' journey into acting began on the stage.
His passion for performance led him to Broadway and off-Broadway productions, where he honed his craft before transitioning to television and film.
Rachins' on-screen career, which dates back to the 1970s, saw him take on a variety of roles that showcased his versatility as an actor.
However, it was his portrayal of the meticulous lawyer Douglas Brackman Jr. on LA Law from 1986 to 1994 that catapulted him to stardom.
LA Law actor Alan Rachins passed away at 82. Credit: IMDb
His character became a household name, earning him a place in the hearts of viewers and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
In 1997, Rachins once again captured the attention of television audiences as the eccentric and lovable father Larry Finkelstein on the hit sitcom Dharma & Greg.
His comedic timing and on-screen chemistry with the cast contributed to the show's success during its five-year run.
Throughout his decades-long career, Rachins graced our screens in numerous other TV titles, including appearances on Dallas, The Golden Girls, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Rizzoli & Isles, General Hospital, and Young Sheldon.
His film credits are equally impressive, with roles in Always (1985), Showgirls (1995), Leave It To Beaver (1997), and Angels on Tap (2018).
Rachins' most recent film credit came in 2023 with the short film The Lights Above, directed by Luke J. Salewski, proving that his passion for acting never waned.
His manager, Mark Teitelbaum, shared the news of his passing, relaying a statement from Rachins' family.
He said the actor ‘died peacefully in his sleep this past weekend, due to heart failure’. The statement also said ‘the family thanks everyone for this outpouring of affection' and 'they will plan a celebration of life in the next few months’.
Alan Rachins is survived by his wife, actress Joanna Frank, and their son Robert.
You can watch one of Alan Rachin’s videos below:
Credit: ALRvideos / YouTube
Rest in peace, Quincy and Alan.
