The family of Quincy Jones has reached an agreement with HarbourView Equity Partners to acquire a significant portion of his music catalog, including his stake in three classic Michael Jackson albums: Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad.
A Legacy Preserved
The deal encompasses Jones’ recorded music and publishing rights, extending beyond the Jackson albums to include his own composition, “Soul Bossa Nova,” George Benson’s 1980 hit “Give Me the Night,” and his stake in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Jones, who died in November 2024 at the age of 91, was a prolific figure in 20th-century music, working as a trumpet player, composer, arranger, producer, conductor, and scorer.
According to Quincy Jones III (QD3), his father “didn’t just create hits, he built platforms that shaped culture across music, film, media, and technology.” Rashida Jones, his daughter, stated that he was “already building bridges and connecting the dots” long before the concept of “multi-platform” existed, creating works like Thriller, The Color Purple, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Vibe.
Financial Implications and Future Stewardship
HarbourView’s CEO, Sherrese Clarke, described acquiring Jones’ catalog as “an honor” and emphasized the firm’s commitment to “exalt his legacy.” Clarke noted that Jones likely earned a 10 percent royalty from the three Jackson albums, which have collectively sold over 100 million copies worldwide. The Jackson estate was not involved in the deal.
HarbourView similarly manages catalogs by artists including Kelly Clarkson, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, T-Pain, Kane Brown, and James Fauntleroy. The company and the Jones estate will collaborate on future initiatives related to the catalog and Jones’ name, image, and likeness. A tribute event for Jones is scheduled for March 13 in Los Angeles, ahead of the Academy Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What albums are included in the deal?
The deal includes Quincy Jones’ stake in Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad, as well as his own composition “Soul Bossa Nova” and George Benson’s “Give Me the Night.”
What other projects were part of the acquisition?
The deal also includes Jones’ stake in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as his songwriting stake in Kanye West’s “Good Life” and Tupac’s “How Do U Want It.” It also includes the theme songs for Ironsides and Sanford and Son.
What will HarbourView do with the catalog?
HarbourView and the Jones estate will work together on initiatives tied to the catalog and Jones’ name, image, and likeness, though specific projects have not been announced.
As the music industry continues to evolve, how will companies balance the preservation of artistic legacies with the demands of modern commerce?
