SEATTLE — Across western Washington, people are remembering the life and career of Quincy Jones. Jones passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, surrounded by loved ones at his home in California.
In West Seattle, Easy Street Records is paying tribute after the loss of Jones, a music legend with local ties.
"From every genre of music, he had his hand in it,” said owner Matt Vaughan. "Our hearts go out to the Garfield alumni and those [who] knew him back in the day."
"Every moment I had with Quincy was very special,” said Clarence Acox, who used to be the Jazz Band director at Garfield High, the school Quincy Jones graduated from in 1950.
Jones made connections in music in Seattle, working with greats like Ray Charles. He left Washington state and went on to be a titan in the music industry, collaborating with artists like Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Jackson. After his success as a famed composer, he would still make visits back to Seattle and his old high school.
"We had many concerts we did with Quincy, and he conducted the band on one occasion. He hung out with the kids and the kids just loved it. They just had a ball,” said Acox. “I don't know of anyone that had more influence on popular music in Seattle, not just in Seattle -- around the world, than Quincy Jones.”
"The greatest music career of all time,” Vaughan said about Jones’ collection of work. "We are sad, but we are also so happy to be able to share his music here."
Seattle Public Schools says this Thursday, there will be a Jazz kickoff concert at Garfield High that will begin with a tribute to Quincy Jones.
In a statement, the school district said, “It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Quincy Jones, a legendary artist whose legacy is firmly embedded in the fabric of Seattle and Seattle Public Schools. Although Jones left Seattle to pursue his remarkable career in music and entertainment, his ties to this community never waned."