Quincy Jones Recalled Surviving Nearly Fatal Aneurysms 50 Years Before His Death: Felt Like 'Shotgun Blast' to the Head

Mar. 15, 2025

Quincy Jones in New York City on Sept. 12, 2018.Photo:Brad Barket/Getty

Brad Barket/Getty

In an interview with PEOPLE published March 17, 1974, Jones recalled collapsing in the home he shared withPeggy Liptonbefore theytied the knotlater that year. “I felt as if the back of my head had been taken off with a shotgun blast,” he said.

Doctors discovered two blood vessels in Jones' brain popped and the music producer nearly died. Brain surgeons operated and discovered a second aneurysm, warning him of the possibility of permanent paralysis if he survived. “If you don’t want to live, it’s so easy to go,” Jones said of his push to live. “But all I could think was, ‘God, I’m not ready yet.'”

Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones in the 1980s.Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX

Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX

His second surgery to address the other aneurysm lasted seven-and-a-half hours. “The doctor told me that they sawed off my skull and put it on the table, then they put it back on with six metal clips,” he said in awe.

Jones ended up making a full recovery from both surgeries, although he dealt with memory lapses as a side effect, according to PEOPLE.

Countless people came forward to offer their condolences and share memories of working with Jones.

Quincy Jones in Westwood, California on Dec. 10, 2019.Amy Sussman/Getty

Amy Sussman/Getty

AndHarry Connick Jr.sharedon Instagram, “He was so kind to me, so wonderful, such an influence. his legacy and his music will live forever. thank you for everything, Q. You were the dude. I love you and will miss you always. Rest in peace.”

source: people.com