‘Behind the Lens’ award

Category: Chronicle Archives Published on Tuesday, 08 August 2006 20:00 Written by Michigan Chronicle

Jones, whose career has spanned over 50 years as composer, producer, artist, conductor, record company executive, entrepreneur and movie and television producer, will be recognized for his contributions in the world of film and television.

           
“People recognize Quincy Jones as ‘the man’ in the music genre, yet his creative talents behind the camera have been just as powerful,” said    Frank Fountain, DaimlerChrysler senior vice president of External Affairs and Public Policy (Auburn Hills). “As we salute the fifth ‘Behind the Lens’ awardee, DaimlerChrysler continues to celebrate the passions and talents that lead the way for others and help influence generations around the world.”

           
Jones joins pioneers such as directors John Singleton (“Boyz N the Hood”), Gordon Parks (“Shaft”) and Melvin Van Peebles (“Sweet Sweetback...”) and Hollywood casting veteran and director Reuben Cannon (“Madea’s Family Reunion”) as past recipients of this prestigious award.

           
“It is an honor to receive this award, said Jones. “I am proud to be in the esteemed company of this award’s predecessors.”

           
In conjunction with his successful and celebrated music career, Jones began his film career as co-producer of “The Color Purple,” nominated for  11 Academy Awards in 1985. He has also served as executive producer on  a number of television projects, such as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, “In the House” and “Mad TV.”

           
Jones has composed 33 major motion picture scores and earned worldwide acclaim as producer of the historic “We Are The World” fundraising recording, the best-selling single of all time. He also introduced Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey to the world of film and launched the careers of many other stars. He produced Michael Jackson’s biggest albums, “Thriller,” “Bad” and “Off the Wall.”

           
The “Behind The Lens” Award was established in 2002 by DaimlerChrysler  to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals who work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.

           
Award recipients are chosen by a selection committee comprised of    entertainment industry professionals and DaimlerChrysler representatives.

           
Quincy Jones is currently celebrating more than 50 years in the entertainment industry. He has won 27 Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy’s Trustees Award and the Grammy Living Legend Award. He also holds the record for the most Grammy nominations, with a total of 79.

           
He is an Emmy winner and seven-time Oscar nominee and was recently honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with its Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Most recently, he was named a 2001 Kennedy Center honoree.

           
As a master inventor of musical hybrids, Jones has blended pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz, classical, African and Brazilian music into many dazzling fusions. His landmark 1989 album, “Back on the Block,” was named “Album Of The Year” at the 1990 Grammy Awards. His 1995 recording, “Q’s  Jook Joint,” again showcased Jones’s ability to mold the unique talents  of an eclectic group of singers and musicians.

           
As a record company executive, Jones remains highly active in the  recording field as the guiding force behind his own Qwest Records label. In 1990, he formed Quincy Jones Entertainment (QJE), a co-venture with Time Warner, Inc. QJE’s first foray into magazine publishing, under the banner of Vibe Ventures, was the highly successful Vibe magazine, which focuses on all aspects of hip-hop culture.

           
In 2001, Quincy Jones added the title “best-selling author” to his list of accomplishments when his autobiography, “Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones,” entered the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal best-seller lists.

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