December 12, 2006 16:04

Quincy Jones honoured by Harvard University

Legendary producer is named Mentor of the Year

Veteran producer Quincy Jones is to receive a special honour at Harvard University.

The legend will become the first recipient of the institution's Mentor of the Year Award, due to take place next month.

Speaking about the honour, Associate Dean of Harvard School Of Public Health Jay Winsten said: "Through his spirit, insight, inspiration, and caring, Quincy has touched and transformed many lives — ranging from celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith to former gang members in South Central Los Angeles.

"Through his work with UNICEF and other international agencies, he has served as a role model for using the power of celebrity to improve the lot of humankind."

Jones himself was mentored at the age of 15 in Seattle by the late jazz singer Ray Charles.

Working with Michael Jackson, he produced the best selling single of all time, ‘We Are the World’ and the best selling album in history, ‘Thriller’. Jones is also the most nominated Grammy artist of all time, with 76 nominations.

--By our New York staff.
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