Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones (1990)
The extraordinary life of Quincy Jones -- one of the 20th century's most influential and talented composers, musicians and music producers -- provides the basis of this offbeat, free-form documentary tribute. With little regard for formal timelines and traditional documentary biography methods, the film is an amazing patchwork of personal insights featuring a constellation of music stars including his long-time friend Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie and rappers Big Daddy Kane and Flavor Flav, as well as politicians, filmmakers and other important people. Some of the most moving scenes involve Jones returning to his childhood home in Chicago and recounting honest and painful memories from his childhood. Jones does not shy from discussing everything -- from his mother's mental illness, to his marital problems, to his serious health conditions. He also looks frankly at his career.
Cast
- Quincy Jones - Self
- Clarence Avant - Self
- George Benson - Self
- Big Daddy Kane - Self
- Tevin Campbell - Self
- Ray Charles - Self
- Miles Davis - Self
- El DeBarge - Self
- Michael Jackson - Self (voice)
Screenplay
Keywords
record producer, songwriter, woman director
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones about?
- The extraordinary life of Quincy Jones -- one of the 20th century's most influential and talented composers, musicians and music producers -- provides the basis of this offbeat, free-form documentary tribute. With little regard for formal timelines and traditional documentary biography methods, the film is an amazing patchwork of personal insights featuring a constellation of music stars including his long-time friend Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie and rappers Big Daddy Kane and Flavor Flav, as well as politicians, filmmakers and other important people. Some of the most moving scenes involve Jones returning to his childhood home in Chicago and recounting honest and painful memories from his childhood. Jones does not shy from discussing everything -- from his mother's mental illness, to his marital problems, to his serious health conditions. He also looks frankly at his career.
- Who directed Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones?
- Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones was directed by Ellen Weissbrod.
- Who stars in Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones?
- Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones stars Quincy Jones, Clarence Avant, George Benson, Big Daddy Kane, Tevin Campbell, Ray Charles.
- How long is Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones?
- Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones has a runtime of 1h 55m (115 minutes).
- What genre is Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones?
- Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones is a Documentary film.
- Where was Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones produced?
- Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones was produced in United States of America.