Bremerton music icon Quincy Jones dies at 91

Musical titan Quincy Jones, a man who discovered his life’s passion at a piano in the segregated Sinclair Park neighborhood of Bremerton, has died at the age of 91.

The record producer, film composer, artist and humanitarian passed away while surrounded by family Nov. 3 at his Bel-Air home in Los Angeles.

In a legendary career spanning seven decades, Jones championed the power of music whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes. Jazz, pop, hip-hop and the like all received valuable contributions from Jones, which put his name alongside other music greats like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson. He also produced the 1985 star-studded mega-hit, “We are the World” to help USA for Africa.

He also made his name known in the film and TV industry for numerous soundtracks as well as his work helping produce “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

The inspiration for all of that began in Bremerton, where work continues to unfold on a section of 4th Street gaining an identity over the past few years as Quincy Square. Jones says in a 2019 letter that he would be honored to have his name “grace the city’s new downtown district.” One year later, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the city’s ambitions to be put on hold.

A mural for the square, created by KaDavien Baylor with the help of several local artists, was just completed this year on the side of a parking structure.

A Nov. 4 statement from the Quincy Square project reads: “As we mourn your passing, we are so grateful for the example you set and the music you left us all to enjoy. Thank you for representing Bremerton well, you will be missed.”