Behind the Music

Episode Synopsis

A look at the life of Q (as his friends call him)-- from the tough streets of Chicago to New York City to Europe where he performed as a trumpet player, working with such greats as Lionel Hampton and Ray Charles. Over the years, Jones arranged and composed compositions, working with legends such as Frank Sinatra. Jones discovered Lesley Gore and produced some of her biggest hits like "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me." He nurtured talent like Michael Jackson and produced the biggest selling album of all time, "Thriller," and the number one selling single, "We Are The World." But his dedication had its price: Jones almost died when he had to undergo surgery for two brain aneurysms. Several years later, after producing "The Color Purple," he had to escape to Tahiti because he was simply burned out, exhausted. Jones says his love of his work also disrupted his family life. He has been married and divorced three times. Now, Jones plans to take it easy-- spend more time with his seven children and to give back to the family that has loved him and supported him all of these years. Interviewees include: Peggy Lipton (his 3rd wife and former star of the TV series, "The Mod Squad"), Nastassja Kinski (film star and mother of Jones' youngest child), Tina Sinatra (daughter of Frank), Will Smith, Lesley Gore, Gloria Estefan and four of his children: Quincy Jones III, Jolie, Rasheeda and Kidada.