Quincy Jones Plays "Ironsides" Theme

After leaving Mercury Records in 1964, Quincy Jones began working in the tv and film studios without a break except for illness in 1969 when he suffered a brain aneurism. The operation ended his career as a trumpeter but not as composer or arranger or conductor. Starting with "The Pawnbroker" in 1966, Jones began writing the scores for 33 films including "In Cold Blood,""In the Heat of the Night,""Cactus Flower,""The Getaway," and "The Color Purple." Television shows included "Sanford and Son" plus "Ironside" starring Raymond Burr who portrayed a wheel chair bound policeman. The theme to the show made a comeback in recent years in the "Kill Bill" movies, especially in the second film which starred Uma Thurman as the darkly humorous avenging devil with Darryl Hannah and the late David Carradine as Bill.

Among his other activities of late was persuading Miles Davis to re-record the Gil Evans charts at Davis' last concert and recording. There was the publishing of his autobiography in 2001. Plus the three magahit recordings he did for Michael Jackson - "Off the Wall,""Thriller," and "Bad." Quincy Jones has also supoorted and campaigned on behalf of the NAACY, GLAAD and AmFar. After Barack Obama won the 2008 election as President of the United States, Quincy Jones seriously suggested to him that there should be a Secretary to the Arts.

A lifetime of writing music, performing, leading a big band and producing hit record albums have made the name of Quincy Jones synonymous with style and excellence. May God bless us all with more of his talents in the years ahead.