LDF Mourns the Loss of Longtime Board Member Quincy Jones, Trailblazing Music Icon and Champion for Human and Civil Rights

Read a PDF of our statement here.

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is deeply saddened by the death of Quincy Jones, a legendary music icon and humanitarian who served on LDF's Board of Directors for more than three decades. A courageous proponent of racial justice, Mr. Jones played a significant role in advancing several of LDF's initiatives during his tenure while working in the furtherance of civil and human rights. Mr. Jones passed away at 91 years old in Los Angeles, California on November 3, 2024.

LDF President and Director Counsel Janai Nelson issued the following statement:

"It is with heartfelt sorrow that we mourn the loss of Quincy Jones and extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time. A legendary icon and cultural luminary who captured hearts and minds across the globe, Mr. Jones' international acclaim was complemented by a tireless commitment to philanthropic causes promoting equality, justice, and opportunity for all. We were extremely fortunate to have Mr. Jones as a member of LDF's Board for more than three decades, where he offered his invaluable perspective and unwavering commitment to advancing our philanthropic and advocacy efforts.

"Mr. Jones' astonishing talent and charisma took the world by storm. Born in Chicago and confronted with the challenges of living in a deeply racially segregated society, Mr. Jones defied the odds with remarkable resilience, using his extraordinary talent to break barriers and form groundbreaking connections in the entertainment industry. Mr. Jones' larger-than-life presence and commitment to excellence and innovation in music extended to his philanthropic and humanitarian roles as well.

"Beyond music, Mr. Jones used his platform to uplift communities and champion important causes, including youth advocacy and transcontinental humanitarianism. In 1985, Mr. Jones rallied artists to collaborate on the much-celebrated anthem "We Are the World," raising aid to support victims of famine in Ethiopia. Lobbying Congress in 1995, Mr. Jones successfully preserved a tax break to help minority-owned broadcasting companies, including his own Qwest Productions. In 2001, Mr. Jones founded the Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation to support young people across the globe by connecting them through music and technology.

"As a longtime Board member, Mr. Jones graciously extended his time and dedication to bringing valuable institutional partnerships to fruition. Additionally, in 1991, Mr. Jones commissioned a special song tribute in honor of LDF's 50^th anniversary. To honor his invaluable contributions to our society, culture, and world, Mr. Jones received LDF's Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 alongside Clarence Avant."

"Mr. Jones will be sorely missed by those he touched throughout his life, including those of us who had the honor of working with him at LDF, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire and uplift generations to come. We cherish his memory and will continue to work in service of his life's work to advance equality and justice for all."

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Legal Defense Fund (LDF) - Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation's first civil rights law organization. LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957-although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.