Entertainment
Quincy Jones: A Musical Innovator and Cultural Icon
Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Quincy Jones: The Musical Legend
On November 3, 2024, the world lost an extraordinary talent and visionary, Quincy Delight Jones Jr., at the age of 91. Jones, an American record producer, songwriter, composer, and film and television producer, left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond, shaping the soundscape of multiple genres over a career that spanned more than 70 years.
Born on March 14, 1933, Jones’s journey in music began in the 1950s as a jazz arranger and conductor. He quickly rose to prominence and became known for his versatility, seamlessly moving between jazz, pop, and film scoring. His remarkable ability to transcend genres led to iconic collaborations, including producing pop hits for Lesley Gore, arranging for legends like Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, and ultimately partnering with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The trio of albums they created—Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987)—remains monumental in music history, with Thriller still holding the title of the best-selling album of all time.
Jones broke numerous barriers throughout his career. In 1968, he became the first African American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “The Eyes of Love.” His groundbreaking achievements continued as he became the first African American musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards in 1971 and received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995. With 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations, Jones’s accolades are a testament to his exceptional talent and influence.
Beyond music, Jones was a multifaceted entrepreneur, establishing a media empire that included Qwest Records, QDE Entertainment, and the acclaimed Black music magazine, Vibe. His ability to foster talent extended to the realms of film and television, where he played a pivotal role in launching the careers of icons like Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.
Jones’s legacy is characterized not only by his remarkable achievements but also by his unique approach to music production. Described by his longtime sound engineer Bruce Swedien as someone who often used food-related metaphors in the studio, Jones had a distinctive way of cultivating creativity. He believed in the power of “divine intervention” and was known for his willingness to experiment, an attitude that kept him at the forefront of musical innovation. His embrace of synthesizers and blending of funk with jazz were revolutionary, influencing countless artists across generations.
Throughout his life, Jones collected stories and experiences that would intrigue anyone. From his encounters with historical figures like Leni Riefenstahl to iconic musicians like Tupac Shakur, his narratives were as rich and diverse as his music.
Quincy Jones’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to resonate through the countless artists he inspired and the music he crafted. As we remember this musical innovator, we celebrate a life dedicated to breaking barriers and creating a legacy that transcends time and genre. His contributions have forever altered the landscape of music, and his spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians and dreamers.
Rest in peace, Quincy Jones—a true maestro, a visionary, and an enduring symbol of artistic excellence.
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Jay Mohr’s long-running podcast is expanding to FAST television through an exclusive LG Channels launch in the U.S. and Canada.
Cineverse has announced the launch of Mohr Stories, a new free ad-supported streaming television channel built around comedian Jay Mohr’s long-running podcast. Unveiled during LG Electronics and LG Ad Solutions’ 2026 IAB NewFronts presentation, the channel will be available exclusively through LG Channels on LG TVs in the United States and Canada.
The new channel will feature weekly episodes alongside more than 100 hours of library content, giving the show a larger footprint in the growing FAST market. Hosted by Mohr, the series includes conversations with guests from comedy, film, sports, music, and television, including Ron Funches, Jay Leno, Joe Mantegna, Patton Oswalt, Kevin Pollak, Andy Richter, George Wallace, Flavor Flav, Michael Eric Dyson, Seth Rollins, Gene Simmons, Billy Gibbons, Byron Scott, and Jeanie Buss.
The launch is notable not only because of the talent involved, but because it reflects a broader shift in how podcast brands are being distributed. What once lived primarily as an audio product is now being packaged as a 24/7 streaming destination, built for connected TV audiences and ad-supported discovery.
Cineverse said Mohr Stories will continue to be available as a podcast through the WITZ Podcast Network, a partnership between Cineverse and The Stand Group. The company also pointed to strong audience momentum after the show expanded into video, saying consumption hours on Spotify rose 50% month over month and downloads increased 34% quarter over quarter.
That growth aligns with wider audience behavior. In the U.S., more than 150 million people listen to podcasts every month, and an increasing share of those consumers are also watching podcast content on video platforms. As those habits continue to evolve, media companies are looking for ways to extend proven shows beyond their original format.
For LG Channels, the addition of Mohr Stories strengthens a FAST lineup built around free, accessible programming across a wide range of genres. For Cineverse, it underscores a strategy centered on expanding the reach and value of entertainment properties across multiple platforms.
The result is more than a new celebrity-led channel. It is another example of how streaming, podcasting, and digital video are converging into a more flexible content ecosystem—one where recognizable brands can move fluidly from audio feeds to connected television.
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Cineverse Partners With VA Media to Expand YouTube Monetization Strategy
Cineverse has announced a strategic partnership with VA Media to accelerate growth and digital monetization across its expanding portfolio of fandom-focused YouTube channels.
The agreement will bring a YouTube-first strategy to Cineverse’s channel network, including longform and shortform content planning, channel optimization, financial modeling, and broader monetization support. The partnership will begin with Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, which Cineverse identified as its top revenue-generating YouTube channel.
Cineverse said its owned or operated YouTube channels currently account for more than 10 million subscribers and over 200 million video views. The company’s digital portfolio spans genres including horror, anime, romance, indie film, Asian cinema, and other fandom-driven categories.
VA Media, which specializes in YouTube strategy and social video monetization, will work with Cineverse to improve discoverability, strengthen channel performance, and unlock new revenue opportunities across YouTube and adjacent platforms.
The partnership reflects the growing role of YouTube as a core distribution and monetization channel for premium entertainment content.
For more information, visit Cineverse.
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McDonald’s is blending fast food, fandom and Korean-inspired flavors in a new collaboration with Netflix tied to the hit film KPop Demon Hunters. Beginning March 31, the chain will roll out two limited-time adult meals inspired by the movie’s rival groups, HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, along with collectible photocards and app-based fan experiences. The promotion will be available at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.
McDonald’s KPop Demon Hunters meals
The campaign introduces two themed meals built around the film’s central rivalry. The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal includes a Spicy Saja McMuffin, hash browns and a small soft drink, while the HUNTR/X Meal features a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium soft drink, Ramyeon McShaker Fries, Hunter Sauce and Demon Sauce. McDonald’s said the menu was inspired in part by flavors from its South Korea restaurants, aiming to connect fans to the movie through food as well as pop culture.
The promotion also includes collectible card packs with each meal. Customers will receive a photocard featuring either HUNTR/X or the Saja Boys, plus a Derpy access card that can be scanned and entered in the McDonald’s app by April 26 to unlock early access to exclusive content and a special reveal tied to the “Battle for the Fans.” A new Derpy McFlurry, made with vanilla soft serve, berry popping pearls and wild berry sauce, will also be sold separately during the promotion.
McDonald’s and Netflix both described the collaboration as a way to bring fans deeper into the world of KPop Demon Hunters through menu items and interactive experiences. For STM Daily News readers in the food and drink section, the release highlights how major brands are increasingly turning entertainment partnerships into immersive dining promotions that combine limited-time flavors, collectible merchandise and digital engagement.
