Remembering Music Legend and Garfield Grad Quincy Jones

It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Quincy Jones, a legendary artist whose legacy is firmly embedded in the fabric of Seattle and Seattle Public Schools (SPS). 

As a student at Garfield High School from 1947 to 1950, Jones made a profound impact on the school’s music and arts programs. His time at Garfield was marked by active participation in the Operetta, chorus, orchestra, and band, and he was the student director of the swing band and Funfest. 

Although Jones left Seattle to pursue his remarkable career in music and entertainment, his ties to this community never waned. In 2008, Garfield honored his enduring influence by naming its performing arts center in his honor. That same year, he was awarded the first Lifetime Achievement Award at the grand-opening gala of the Northwest African American Museum, a testament to his immeasurable contributions to the arts and culture. 

Through the Quincy Jones Performing Arts Center, Garfield students continue to learn about Jones’ extraordinary journey—one that led him to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and cemented his place as a global music icon. Each year, students engage with his legacy through performances and programs that carry his spirit forward. 

While we mourn his passing, Jones’ impact on Garfield, SPS, and the broader community will continue to inspire future generations of musicians, artists, and leaders. His influence, both as a groundbreaking artist and a beloved member of our community, will never be forgotten.