Early Life and Education of Quincy Jones: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Quincy Jones. From birth to education, explore key events.

Quincy Jones is a highly acclaimed American record producer, composer, arranger, conductor, trumpeter, and bandleader with a career spanning seven decades. He's garnered significant recognition, including 28 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. Furthermore, he has been nominated for seven Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, solidifying his impact and contribution to the music and entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1904: Birth of Sara Frances Wells

In 1904, Sara Frances Wells, Quincy Jones's mother, was born.

March 14, 1933: Quincy Jones' Birth

On March 14, 1933, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Sara Frances Wells and Quincy Delight Jones.

1943: Family Moved to Bremerton, Washington

In 1943, Quincy Jones's family relocated to Sinclair Park in Bremerton, Washington, where his father took a wartime job at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

1951: Enrolled at Seattle University and Berklee College of Music

In 1951, Quincy Jones earned a scholarship to Seattle University and after one semester, he transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston on another scholarship.

1953: European Tour with Lionel Hampton

In 1953, at the age of 20, Quincy Jones toured Europe with jazz bandleader Lionel Hampton, an experience that broadened his perspective on racism and global conflicts.

1954: Settled in New York

After leaving the Hampton band in 1954, Quincy Jones settled in New York and began writing music professionally.

1957: Married Jeri Caldwell

In 1957, Quincy Jones married Jeri Caldwell, with whom he had a daughter named Jolie.

1957: Moved to Paris

In 1957, Quincy Jones moved to Paris to study composition and theory and became music director at Barclay, a French record company.

1966: Divorced Jeri Caldwell

In 1966, Quincy Jones divorced Jeri Caldwell.

1967: Married Ulla Andersson

In 1967, Quincy Jones married Swedish actress Ulla Andersson, with whom he had a daughter named Martina and a son named Quincy.

1971: Death of Quincy Delight Jones Sr.

In 1971, Quincy Delight Jones Sr., Quincy Jones's father, passed away.

1974: Develops brain aneurysm and attends his own memorial service

In 1974, Quincy Jones developed a life-threatening brain aneurysm and, as his family planned a memorial service, he attended it with his neurologist.

1974: Divorced Ulla Andersson

In 1974, Quincy Jones divorced Ulla Andersson.

1990: Divorced Peggy Lipton

In 1990, Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton divorced.

1991: Dates Nastassja Kinski

In 1991, Quincy Jones began dating and living with German actress Nastassja Kinski.

1995: Ends relationship with Nastassja Kinski

In 1995, Quincy Jones ended his relationship with Nastassja Kinski.

1998: Death of Lloyd Jones

In 1998, Lloyd Jones, Quincy Jones's younger brother and an engineer for KOMO-TV, passed away.

1999: Death of Sara Frances Wells

In 1999, Sara Frances Wells, Quincy Jones's mother, passed away.

2001: Becomes honorary member of the board of directors of the Jazz Foundation of America

In 2001, Quincy Jones became an honorary member of the board of directors of the Jazz Foundation of America and worked to support elderly jazz and blues musicians.

2004: Helps launch We Are the Future project

In 2004, Quincy Jones helped launch the We Are the Future (WAF) project, providing opportunities for children in impoverished and conflict-ridden areas.

2006: Genealogical Research for African American Lives

In 2006, Quincy Jones participated in the PBS program African American Lives, undergoing DNA testing and genealogical research to explore his family history and ancestry.