Quincy Jones - American record producer, composer, arranger, conductor, trumpeter, and bandleader. Over the course of his seven-decade career, he received many accolades including 28 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award as well as nominations for seven Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, his father moved the family to Bremerton, Washington, in 1943 to take a wartime job at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. After the war, the family moved to Seattle, where Jones attended Garfield High School and developed his skills as a trumpeter and arranger.
His career began as a jazz trumpeter for the Lionel Hampton Orchestra and toured Europe during the '50's. Coming off the road in 1961, Jones became the vice-president of Mercury, the first African American to hold the position and began composing soundtracks for films - earning critical acclaim.
Jones produced the soundtrack for The Wiz, starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. While working on The Wiz, Michael Jackson asked Jones to recommend some producers for his upcoming solo album. Jones made a few suggestions but offered to produce the record himself. Jackson accepted and the resulting record was Off the Wall.
In addition to his well-documented successes producing Michael Jackson's albums, “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad,” Jones was also head of his own record company, Qwest Records. Jones was one of the founders of the Institute for Black American Music (IBAM), whose events aimed to raise funds for the creation of a national library of African-American art and music.
In response to his passing earlier this month, President Joe Biden issued a statement praising Jones as "a great unifier, who believed deeply in the healing power of music to restore hope and uplift those suffering from hunger, poverty, and violence, in America and the continent of Africa". Former President Barack Obama praised Jones for "building a career that took him from the streets of Chicago to the heights of Hollywood...paving the way for generations of Black executives to leave their mark on the entertainment business". Former President Bill Clinton stated, "He changed the face of the music industry forever" and Vice President Kamala Harris called him a "trailblazer" and remembered him for his "championing of civil and human rights".
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FAFSA Now Available for 2025-26 Applicants
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has announced that the 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now available. Applications typically open on October 1 for people wanting to start college the next fall. This year the application was delayed as DOE carried out a series of beta tests to mitigate problems experienced during the 2024-25 FAFSA cycle. In Washington State, there are two ways to apply for financial aid for college or career training. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can apply for federal and state aid with the FAFSA. People who can't file the FAFSA due to immigration status can apply only for state aid with the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid), as can people from mixed-status families who prefer not to file the federal form. Both FAFSA and WASFA are pathways for Washington State residents to apply for Washington College Grant (WA Grant) and other financial aid. The 2025-26 WASFA will be available in early December. More information and resources for Washington financial aid applicants will be available at that time.
Pierce County is excited to announce the opening of the 2025 Art Grant program, beginning Monday, Dec. 2. This grant initiative aims to expand access to the arts, foster educational opportunities, support underserved communities and celebrate the rich cultural diversity within Pierce County.
Nonprofit organizations based in unincorporated Pierce County are encouraged to apply if they offer arts education, programming or experiences tailored to lower-income youth or underserved populations living outside Tacoma city limits. Eligible projects must take place between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025.
Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000. Applications must be submitted online by 2 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2025.
To assist applicants, a virtual workshop will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on the application process. For workshop details, more information or to apply, visit the Art Grant program website.
Since 1986, the Pierce County Arts Commission has proudly supported local arts through its Art Grant program. In 2023, the County awarded nearly $27,000 in grants, funding seven projects, serving over 9,100 youth and providing 17,000 hours of enriching art experiences.
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Grants up to $120,000 educate about local environmental projects. Applications accepted as of January 7, 2025
The Washington Department of Ecology will begin accepting applications on Jan. 7, 2025, for a popular grant program that supports people and eligible nonprofits who are working to improve Washington’s waste management system. These grants help get their communities involved with local clean-ups. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle will be accepted through Feb. 4, 2025.
If your nonprofit is concerned about toxics and the release of hazardous substances, the impact of climate change, reducing waste and contamination by encouraging reuse, recycling, composting, or supporting other solid waste priorities, our Public Participation Grant (PPG) program may be for you.
This grant opportunity provides up to $120,000 - $60,000 per year over a two-year period - to projects that increase public understanding and involvement in cleaning up contaminated sites and supporting Washington’s solid and hazardous waste management priorities.
Learn more about the Public Participation Grant program, who’s eligible, and how to apply at our December 10th virtual informational session. Join other nonprofits at the 10 a.m. session to find out how to leverage state funds to support your work. Preregister today.
Eligible nonprofits and individuals affected by the release of hazardous substances are encouraged to apply. Other projects that could qualify for a grant through this program include plastics and food waste reduction, or public education on toxics and safer alternatives to common products.
Visit the grant webpage for more information.
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