Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Musical Arranger

Quincy Jones is one of the most successful musicians, producers and arrangers in the music business today. While he has been on the scene for more than half a century, he did come from humble beginnings and has made a successful career through lots of hard work, determination and raw talent. For those that are fascinated about the life of Quincy Jones, the Smithsonian Magazine has an article about this incredible arranger.


Quincy Jones Early Life
Quincy Jones had an ear for music from the very beginning. In his early years, he and his friends came across an old piano in a rec room, and once Quincy Jones put his fingers on the keys, he knew he found his true love. Throughout the years, Quincy’s mother was very sick with mental illness and consistently admitted into institutions. Quincy relied on music to get him through the tough times. As he became older, he heard a trumpet playing at a barber shop and immediately became enamored. After quickly learning to play the trumpet, he started to find jobs with some of the most successful and well known musicians in the business which ultimately led him to stardom.


For those fascinated with Quincy Jones and his musical abilities, the Smithsonian Magazine has an article on the subject. To read it, visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/


Phantom of the Opera, Quincy Jones, Glacier National Park, Cleopatra, Daredevil, Parthenon

Monday, September 22, 2008

The Music and Arrangement of Quincy Jones


One of the great musicians of our time is Quincy Jones, however, this talent is not only famous for being a great jazz musician, but an accomplished arranger. He has won many Grammy awards and has worked with some of the most famous musicians in the world, whether as part of a collaboration in pop, jazz, blues and even hip hop he has succeed.


Quincy Jones has an Impressive Story
Quincy Jones had a difficult childhood and was lucky enough to find music which helped him during this difficult time. His mother suffered from mental illness and she was many times institutionalized. However, at these difficult times, Quincy Jones relied on his talents and his hobby-music. First as a talented piano player and then as a trumpet player, Quincy Jones met and played with some of the most respected jazz musicians. As the decades passed, many seeked Quincy’s expertise as a phenomenal arranger and today, he is definitely seen by many in the music industry as a wizard or jack of all trades.


For those fascinated with Quincy Jones, the Smithsonian Magazine as an interesting article on his life and talent. To read it, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/


Quincy Jones, Forbidden City, Tattoo Art, Diane Arbus, Cheetah Facts, National Archives

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Quincy Jones:  A Musical Great

If you love music, whether it is jazz, pop, soul etc you probably have great admiration for Quincy Jones. Quincy Jones is one of the most successful and talented musicians, producers and arrangers this country has ever seen. From playing the trumpet as a teenager, to making the right connections within the music world Quincy Jones has gone on to compose, play and arrange some of the most popular music that has ever been produced.


Music as Life
Music was an extremely important part of Quincy Jones’s life. Since an early age, Quincy Jones used music as a tool to get him through the tough times. Unfortunately, his mother was mentally ill and would spend long bouts in mental institutions. This had a huge effect on Quincy Jones and he relied on music to escape. Thankfully, music was the gift that allowed him to be creative, find a community that he found support in and made him fantastically rich and famous as he succeeded beyond anyone’s imagination.


Learn More About This Fascinating Musical Legend
To learn more about Quincy Jones, the American musical icon, Smithsonian Magazine has put together an insightful article regarding his life and achievements. Please visit our main magazine website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/


Phantom of the Opera, Cleopatra, Tattoo Art, Diane Arbus, Quincy Jones, National Archives