Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones.

This excellent book outlines his incredible path in music and the arts.

The struggles, the intense drive and work ethic, the demons, the health scares- are all covered.

What’s incredible is that his work spanned generations.

Starting as a young trumpet player in 1940’s New York and hanging in the Bebop scene with Charlie Parker, all the way through the film scores via orchestrations for “Come Fly With Me” era Frank Sinatra, through to Michael Jackson and beyond , resulted in his musical impact touching all our lives via albums and soundtracks in all genres and mediums.

He also pushed back against the racism prevalent in the film and music business - and was able to craft soundtracks for the groundbreaking “Roots” and "The Color Purple” in the 70’s and 80’s.

Lets not forget the USA for Africa charity single “We Are The World” in 1985 - producing this  supergroup of diverse music artists (and egos!) - everyone from Michael Jackson to Bob Dylan - and being able to pull it off with his incredible social skills as well as his musical prowess as an arranger and producer.

Its an incredible story - for those of us who were around at that time - and for those who follow- its a great reminder of what true talent really is.