Sophia Michaels
Quincy Jones was a remarkable figure in music. He passed away at the age of 91, but his influential work in the music industry will endure. Celebrated for his production on Michael Jackson’s iconic albums such as “Thriller,” “Bad,” and “Off the Wall,” Jones had an extensive career that shaped the sounds of the ’70s and ’80s. Although he is revered for his musical achievements, he is also remembered as the father of seven children.
His seven children, born from three different mothers, continue his legacy in various facets of life, including entertainment. As reported by People, Quincy reflected on fatherhood later in life, expressing that the joys of being a parent had a profound impact on him. He once stated, “Never underestimate your role in your kid’s lives,” highlighting the importance of family. However, similar to Quincy’s own challenging past, his children have also faced their share of struggles. Read on to discover the poignant stories of Quincy Jones’ seven kids.
Kidada Jones experienced heartbreak with Tupac’s death
One of the most harrowing stories from Quincy Jones’ family involves his daughter, Kidada Ann Jones. Kidada, the daughter of Quincy and actress Peggy Lipton, was dating hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur when he was fatally shot in Las Vegas. Reports from Vanity Fair indicate that she was at their hotel during the incident but rushed to his side at the hospital after the shooting.
While we can only speculate how Kidada’s life would have differed had Tupac survived, their final moments together were undeniably poignant. In an interview, Kidada recounted that as she prepared to play a song for him, Tupac briefly woke up. She asked him if he could move his feet if he heard her, and he complied. When she professed her love, he didn’t respond but later nodded when she reassured him that they all loved him. Tragically, he began to convulse soon after and passed away. This memory encapsulates the deep bond they shared amidst an unimaginable loss.
Rashida Jones felt a deep impact from her father’s passing
Rashida Jones, perhaps the most recognized child of Quincy, felt her father’s loss profoundly due to their close relationship. As Quincy’s second daughter with Peggy Lipton, Rashida produced and directed a documentary titled “Quincy” in 2018, exploring her father’s life. The process posed challenges, as Rashida had to confront both her father’s accomplishments and his controversial moments, aiming for an authentic portrayal. She shared with Forbes, “The intention was for people to get a real sense of who he is, the good and the bad.”
The documentary, which took three months to shoot and a year to edit, was described by Rashida as her most challenging project, capturing the intimate process of relating to a parent objectively. Despite the hurdles, the film resonated deeply, with Quincy himself stating it “always made him cry.” Rashida honors his legacy while embracing his mantra about balancing humility with creativity and grace in success.
Jolie Jones Levine’s Unique Challenge
Jolie Jones Levine, the firstborn of Quincy Jones, was delivered during his initial marriage to Jeri Caldwell. She experiences a rare condition called electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). As outlined by the NIH, individuals with EHS report various nerve-related symptoms upon exposure to electromagnetic fields from devices like cell phones and microwaves. On her own website, Levine shares her sudden awareness of the condition, saying, “I became impaired overnight…unable to be around radiofrequency waves from phones and wireless devices. I could not use a cell phone and had to flee from the modern world.”
Despite the challenges her condition brings, Levine actively raises awareness about EHS. Although it has strained her relationships, limiting her ability to visit friends and family, she remains supportive and even honored her sister Rashida and father during the promotional period for the documentary “Quincy.”
Rachel Jones: A Daughter from a Short Affair
Rachel Jones, Quincy’s second child, was conceived during a brief affair with dancer Carol Reynolds. Their relationship details remain murky, but Quincy was always a dedicated father to Rachel. Upon hearing of his passing, Rachel shared a cherished photo of them together on Instagram with a touching message, “This is us…together…still…and always connected.”
Unlike her siblings, Rachel chose a different path away from the entertainment industry. She obtained a veterinary medicine degree from Tuskegee University and now operates a holistic mobile veterinary service in both New York and Los Angeles. Active on social media, she continues to uphold family support values, passing her medical interests on to her children, including one who has become a chiropractor.
Quincy Jones III’s Hip-Hop Controversy
Quincy Jones III, the sole son of Quincy Jones, is making his mark in the music industry, following in his father’s immense footsteps. However, fame comes with challenges, as evidenced by his involvement in a legal dispute with Lil Wayne. Jones III gained recognition by producing the documentary series “Beef,” which examined renowned hip-hop rivalries, but found himself in conflict when he attempted to create a documentary titled “The Carter” about Lil Wayne.
As reported by Billboard, a lawsuit was initiated by Lil Wayne against Jones III for alleged misuse of his music and a damaging portrayal in the film. Yet, after Lil Wayne’s absence in court led to a dismissal of his suit and a ruling in favor of Quincy III, Wayne was ordered to pay more than $2 million. Despite these financial entanglements, Quincy III may benefit from his father’s wisdom, who advised, “When you chase money, God steps away. Focus on your passion; authenticity will attract success.”
