We were in the heart of the ghetto in Chicago during the Depression, and every block - it was probably the biggest black ghetto in America - every block also is the spawning ground practically for every gangster, black and white, in America too. Quincy Jones americabigblack share on social
I was inspired by a lot of people when I was young. Every band that came through town, to the theater, or the dance hall. I was at every dance, every night club, listened to every band that came through, because in those days we didn't have MTV, we didn't have television. Quincy Jones bandclubdance share on social
I'm a tremendous believer and supporter in hip-hop and rap. Quincy Jones believerhiphop Change image and share on social
Melody is king, and don't you ever forget it. Lyrics appear to be out front, but they're not; they're just an accompanying factor. If they're good, you're really in good shape. Lyrics are written to be rewritten. Quincy Jones accompanyfactorforget share on social
I'm never in my life going to do a record that's a tribute to myself. I don't need it. Quincy Jones liferecordtribute Change image and share on social
I only hope that one day, America will recognize what the rest of the world already has known, that our indigenous music - gospel, blues, jazz and R&B - is the heart and soul of all popular music; and that we cannot afford to let this legacy slip into obscurity, I'm telling you. Quincy Jones affordamericablue share on social
My earliest memories are being pinned to a fence with a switchblade. Quincy Jones earlyfencememory Change image and share on social
Every day, my daddy told me the same thing. 'Once a task is just begun, never leave it till it's done. Be the labour great or small, do it well or not at all.' Quincy Jones begindaddyday Change image and share on social
When I was 13, I started working in a nightclub with Ray Charles. That's the greatest school in the world, the school of the streets. Ray taught me how to read in Braille. He was only two years older than me, but it was like he was 100 years older. Quincy Jones braillecharlegreat share on social
A great song can make a terrible singer sound good, but a good singer - you put a great song on top of that, you're really in great shape! Quincy Jones goodgreatmake Change image and share on social