On Jan. 25, Harvard University gave its first Mentor of the Year award to musician Quincy Jones, the multi-Grammy-winning producer, arranger and songwriter, who has worked with everyone from Count Basie and Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles and Michael Jackson.
Dr. Jay Winsten, associate dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, which is honoring the artist, called Joness life a testament to the power of mentoring and noted that through his spirit, insight, inspiration and caring, Quincy has touched and transformed many livesranging from celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith to former gang members in South Central Los Angeles.
Recently Jones spoke with NEWSWEEKS Nicki Gostin.
Gostin: How are you?
Quincy Jones: OK, honey, just tired of running, just got back from Africa with Oprah. It was a long trip but it was beautiful.
Gostin: Don't you have to be careful with all that travel? Didn't you have a brain aneurism?
Quincy Jones: I got metal clips on it, its fine. I got titanium knees. Im almost a robot.
Gostin:So tell me about this Harvard award.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
