Quincy Jones, the legendary American music producer and artist, died at age 91 on Sunday, November 3 at his Los Angeles home. Known as one of the most influential figures in modern music, Jones’s legacy spans jazz, pop, soul, and beyond, earning him 28 Grammy Awards and lifelong ties to Monaco and France.
Jones’s connection to France began in 1957 when he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious Fontainebleau music school under Nadia Boulanger and Olivier Messiaen. He immersed himself in French music culture, collaborating with icons like Henri Salvador and Michel Legrand. For nearly five years, he worked closely with French musicians, playing at venues like the Paris Olympia and serving as music director for the Barclay label. His friendship with producer Eddie Barclay anchored him in the French Riviera, where Jones regularly visited Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Saint-Tropez.
Monaco, however, held a unique place in his life. In 1958, Jones began collaborating with Frank Sinatra in a charity concert in Monaco, organised at the initiative of Princess Grace. This was the start of a long and productive partnership with Sinatra, culminating in the famed 1964 album It Might As Well Be Swing, which featured Sinatra’s iconic rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon.” This song became synonymous with the Apollo space missions and remains a signature of both Sinatra and Jones’s legacy.
Jones’s ties to Monaco extended to his friendship with the French cultural elite. Through Barclay, he met luminaries including Picasso, Brigitte Bardot, and Jack Nicholson, often in Monaco. He would later recount these memories fondly, recalling the Riviera as a cultural hub where musicians, actors, and artists mingled freely. Caroline Barclay, Eddie’s widow, reflected on his love of the French Riviera, saying, “He loved everything French—food, wine, and music—and never saw himself as a star despite being friends with presidents and icons.”
Over his storied career, Jones’s collaborations ranged from Ray Charles and Miles Davis to Michael Jackson, producing Thriller and other groundbreaking albums. He also founded Qwest TV with French producer Reza Ackbaraly in 2017, aiming to create a jazz-focused streaming service akin to Netflix, which includes concerts, documentaries, and music history.
As Jones’s influence stretched from jazz to popular culture worldwide, his deep connection with Monaco and France remained an indelible part of his identity. He leaves behind a monumental legacy in music and a fondly remembered presence in the artistic and cultural circles of Monaco.
