November 10, 2024

Good morning. Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. This edition dives into Quincy Jones’ profound influence on music, the shifting political dynamics among Black male voters and celebrating Andre 3000’s Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.

Quincy Jones Mastered the Art of Music

By Jose Valentino Ruiz

Quincy Jones, who passed away on November 3, 2024, at the age of 91, left an indelible mark on the music industry. Known for producing and arranging some of the most iconic albums of all time, Jones redefined the art of musical arrangement across genres from jazz and pop to hip-hop and film scores. He worked with legendary artists that included Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, as well as up-and-coming talent. Jones transformed each project into a masterful blend of artistry and emotional depth.

Musical arrangement, often misunderstood, is about more than just filling in harmonies; it’s a craft that shapes how a song unfolds, guiding the listener through a journey. Quincy Jones approached arrangement as a storyteller, carefully layering instruments, dynamics, and textures to create a structure that amplified the emotional impact of each piece. From his early work with jazz legends to his celebrated productions with pop icons, Jones saw arrangement as a powerful tool to convey a story and deepen the listener’s experience.

Notable works like Sinatra at the Sands and Ray Charles’ “I Can’t Stop Loving You” illustrate his visionary talent for elevating a performer’s voice with his arrangements. In each piece, Jones used brass swells, dynamic shifts, and orchestral backdrops to highlight the artist’s unique qualities, crafting arrangements that didn’t just support the music but brought it to life. His legacy as a musical architect lives on, inspiring future generations to approach arrangement with the same depth, innovation, and storytelling prowess.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

In recognition of their innovative approaches to music education, Howard University and Tennessee State University have been named among the top music business schools in Billboard’s 2024 report. 

For the third consecutive year, Howard University’s Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business has earned praise for its curriculum, which combines traditional music business education with social justice initiatives to prepare future industry leaders through fellowship programs and specialized courses.

Similarly, Tennessee State University’s Commercial Music Program, strategically located in Nashville and led by faculty with active roles in the music scene, provides students with exceptional industry expertise and networking opportunities.

our community in numbers - election 2024

President-Elect Donald Trump’s share of Black voters rose slightly, driven largely by younger men.

• Trump was able to make slight inbounds with Black voters nationally, who made up about 1 in 10 voters across the country.

• Nationally, about 8 in 10 Black voters supported Harris. This was down from about 9 in 10 in the last presidential election who supported President Biden.

• Trump doubled his share of young Black men – which helped him among a key Democratic voting group. Three in 10 Black men under the age of 45 supported Trump, roughly double the number he received in 2020.

black history in quotes 

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culture

André 3000, known for defying musical expectations since his Outkast days, received three Grammy nominations for his experimental album New Blue Sun, including the prestigious Album of the Year. This recognition marks his first Album of the Year nomination since Outkast’s win in 2004 for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.

Released in November 2023, New Blue Sun also garnered nods for Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Instrumental Composition for the track “I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.” Reflecting on the nominations, André shared that his creative journey has always been about pursuing what feels authentic to him, regardless of expectations.

Our editor, Lisa D.Tinsley, would like to thank you for spending part of your day with KISA News Radio.

See you next Sunday.

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