Quincy Jones: In the Pocket

Quincy Jones: In the Pocket is an intimate and unapologetic look at the life and career of music industry legend Quincy Jones. Narrated by the incomparable Harry Belafonte, this American Masters documentary series episode offers an unprecedented glimpse into the remarkable accomplishments and inspirations of one of the most influential figures in modern music. Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Jones' early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Abandoned by his parents at a young age, he found solace in his love of music, initially through jazz and classical influences. The documentary showcases Jones' natural talent and dedication to his craft, as he quickly honed his abilities as an instrumentalist, arranger, and composer. Throughout the film, Jones' friends and contemporaries, including Maya Angelou, Sidney Poitier, and former President Bill Clinton, reminisce about their experiences working with the maestro. Angelou, a celebrated poet and author, notes the impact of Jones' music on her own life and work. "Quincy has a gift for creating music that is both timeless and timely, something that speaks to the human condition," she reflects. Jones' storied career spans over five decades, during which he has accumulated an impressive 26 Grammy awards and seven Academy Award nominations. His groundbreaking collaborations with Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, and Ray Charles helped shape the sound of the 1960s and 1970s, while his tireless work as a producer and arranger earned him the respect of his peers. One of the most pivotal moments in Jones' career came in 1984, when he brought together a constellation of stars for the historic "We Are the World" recording session. The project, which raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa, marked a turning point in the music industry's response to social issues. Jones' vision and leadership played a crucial role in bringing together artists like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, and Tina Turner, who came together on that fateful day in Los Angeles to record one of the most iconic singles of the 20th century. Jones' relationship with Michael Jackson is a recurring theme throughout the documentary. The two artists collaborated on numerous projects, including the iconic album "Thriller." Jones' impact on Jackson's early career cannot be overstated, and their partnership produced some of the most innovative and successful music of the past few decades. As the documentary delves deeper into Jones' personal life, we see glimpses of his relationships with his children and his late wife, Jermaine. Through his music and his philanthropy, Jones has always sought to transcend the boundaries of his own fame, using his platform to support social justice and human rights causes. His dedication to education and the arts has inspired generations of young musicians and entrepreneurs. The documentary also explores Jones' entrepreneurial spirit, which saw him launch the magazine "Vibe" and establish the Quincy Jones Foundation to support music education programs around the world. As Frank Sinatra notes in a rare archival clip, "Quincy is a true Renaissance man – a musician, a producer, a entrepreneur, and a humanitarian." Throughout Quincy Jones: In the Pocket, we are reminded that the key to Jones' enduring success lies in his boundless creativity, his generosity of spirit, and his unwavering commitment to his art. This documentary is more than just a biography; it's a testament to the transformative power of music to unite us, to uplift us, and to inspire us to be our best selves. As Jones himself observes, "Music is a universal language, a way to express ourselves and connect with others. It's a reminder that we are all human beings, deserving of love, respect, and compassion."