REMEMBERING QUINCY JONES: SEATTLE MUSIC LEGEND
- SMASH STAFF
- Nov 4, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 26, 2024
Quincy Jones’s life and legacy are woven into Seattle’s cultural fabric, a city that nurtured his earliest dreams and ambitions. When he arrived here as a young boy, Seattle offered Quincy more than a new home—it gave him his first taste of the transformative power of music. In the clubs and music halls of Seattle’s Central District, Quincy found a place where jazz was the heartbeat of the neighborhood, where musicians gathered to innovate, and where community was as important as melody. Our city, rich in diversity and sound, was his first stage.
At Garfield High School, Quincy’s gift was undeniable. Seattle’s vibrant music scene gave him the space to play, experiment, and grow, leading him to lifelong friendships and collaborations that defined his career. Here he met Ray Charles, another young musician whose talent was as boundless as his ambition. Together, they played their way through Seattle’s underground jazz clubs, pushing each other to new heights and breaking down barriers in a world not yet ready for their brilliance. These early Seattle days weren’t just a prelude—they were the foundation of Quincy’s journey as an artist, mentor, and visionary.
Seattle lost a piece of its soul with the passing of Quincy Jones. Before he transformed global music, Quincy’s story began right here in the Central District. Our city was the place where Jones played his first gigs, received his first standing ovations, and his first taste of what was possible. Even as Quincy ascended to legendary status—producing for Frank Sinatra, transforming pop with Thriller, and shaping generations of music—he always honored his Seattle roots. He often spoke of the city as a place of resilience, creativity, and community, qualities he carried with him throughout his life.
Today, we remember Quincy not just for the global impact of his music but for his legacy here in Seattle, where a young boy found his rhythm and grew into a man who changed music forever.
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