Quincy Jones, the preeminent arranger, composer, bandleader and all-around pop impresario of the modern music era who produced Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” has died, according to a family statement. He was 91.

Jones died Sunday evening at his home in Bel Air. Known in the entertainment industry as “Q,” Jones was one of the most influential figures in modern music, with a career spanning seven decades that touched a wide range of genres and megastars like Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and countless others .

“Tonight, it is with full but broken hearts that we share the news of the passing of our father and brother Quincy Jones. And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the amazing life he lived and know there will never be another like him,” the family’s statement said. “He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy that was the essence of his being was shared with the world through everything he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat forever.”

Jones was born in Chicago in 1933 and grew up in Seattle. His early years were tough, but he found an escape in music. He studied music theory and composition as a trumpet player and attended Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, but left before graduating to tour with bandleader Lionel Hampton.

In the 1950s, Jones worked with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles and Count Basie, building his reputation as an arranger and conductor.

Jones has won 28 Grammy Awards and was nominated for several Academy Awards. Six of his Grammys were for his own 1990 jazz album “Back on the Block,” and three were for producer of the year.

But his collaborations with Jackson cemented his unique brand of superstardom behind the scenes: He first worked with the King of Pop on the 1979 solo breakthrough record “Off the Wall,” which sold more than 20 million copies. The 1982 follow-up – “Thriller” – was the definitive pop record of its time, winning album of the year, record of the year (for “Billie Jean”) and the informal title of best-selling record of all time. Worldwide estimates for “Thriller” are as high as 100 million copies sold worldwide.

Jones produced the 1985 supergroup USA for Africa’s mega-hit ‘We Are the World’, sales of which supported African famine relief. Jones co-wrote the song with Lionel Richie, which was played non-stop that year.

He was the first black composer to score a major motion picture in 1964, with “The Pawnbroker,” and would be nominated seven times for the Oscars for best original score and song. Jones was also nominated for a Tony Award in 2006 as producer of ‘The Color Purple’.

He is survived by his seven children.

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