Quincy Jones left a lot of music and knowledge behind, so what lessons can we learn?
Jose Valentino Ruiz, affiliate professor of Arts, Migration, & Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida, has more.
José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D., D.Min., D.B.E., is an internationally renowned musician, producer, and educator blending music performance, industry leadership, and arts entrepreneurship. As CEO of JV Music Enterprises and a decorated multi-instrumentalist, Dr. Ruiz has headlined over 1,400 concerts globally, including at Carnegie Hall, and collaborated with icons like Chick Corea and Victor Wooten. Ruiz is the recipient of numerous Grammy®, Emmy®, IADAS Anthem®, Global Genius®, and Global Music® Awards, with achievements across music performance, production, digital media, and arts entrepreneurship. At the University of Florida, Ruiz is dedicated to advancing arts entrepreneurship education, fostering cultural awareness, and advocating for quality of life in music. Ruiz’s extensive research addresses the intersections of music business, cross-genre production, and digital innovation, reflecting his commitment to mentoring the next generation of music entrepreneurs and leveraging music’s power to connect communities globally.
Timeless Lessons from Quincy Jones
What I find endlessly fascinating about Quincy Jones is how his career embodies a timeless blueprint for music entrepreneurs navigating today’s interconnected, digital economy.
Jones’s career is a testament to the power of genre fusion—an approach more relevant than ever. He defied traditional boundaries, seamlessly blending jazz, pop, funk, and orchestral elements to create music that resonates across cultures and generations. His work on iconic albums like Thriller and film scores such as The Color Purple wasn’t just about layering sound; it was about crafting a rich musical experience that reached audiences worldwide. For today’s music entrepreneurs, Jones’s innovative, cross-genre approach offers a vital lesson: in a globalized, digital world, versatility and cultural awareness are essential for creating music that transcends trends and connects deeply with listeners.
In a teaching context, Jones’s storytelling through music provides a compelling model. He approached each arrangement with the intent to shape a narrative that would guide listeners on an emotional journey. This skill teaches students that music can be more than a technical exercise; it can become a powerful medium for storytelling that truly moves audiences. I encourage students to view each project as Jones did—as an opportunity to engage listeners, connect emotionally, and build lasting relationships through music.
Equally significant is Jones’s commitment to mentorship and social impact. He believed in empowering the next generation, a principle today’s music entrepreneurs can adopt by mentoring, collaborating, and creating work with purpose. Jones’s legacy reminds us that music is more than a business—it’s a transformative force that bridges cultures, fosters empathy, and inspires meaningful change.
Read More:
- Entrepreneurial Responses to the COVID Era: A Multiple-Case Study of Five Music Entrepreneurs
- Ensuring Legitimacy and Viability in Music Industry Education
- Nexus of Cultural Entrepreneurship and Digital Musicality: Exploring Afro-Diasporic Music Entrepreneurship in the Digital Music Industry
- Official Website of José Valentino Ruiz
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