Quincy Jones Breaks Free From Brain Aneurysm

Celebrating more than 50 years performing and being involved in music, producer, composer and writer Quincy Jones' creative magic has spanned over six decades. He's also the most Grammy-nominated artist in history, with 79 nominations and 27 wins. But even with all the accolades, Quincy has had his fair share of health issues, including a brain aneurysm in 1974 that required two operations that left six steel pins in his head.

"I actually had two brain aneurysms," explains Jones. "So I guess I would classify as having some experience with trauma to the brain. Also, my mother suffered from mental illness. She was a brilliant woman who spoke several languages and had degrees from several colleges, but she had this condition that debilitated her, which today could’ve been controlled with medication. But at the time, during the Depression, they simply would commit you."

Jones also suffered from depression in the mid 1980s that led him to have a nervous breakdown, all of which he turned to music to assist in his healing process. "I am curious about everything, man. But particularly how music affects the mind, body and soul, which I know it does," says Jones. "Music is the only art form that can evoke a visceral and spiritual emotion in a person."

Brain Aneurysm Facts You Need To Know:
Unruptured brain aneurysms are typically completely asymptomatic. These aneurysms are typically small in size, usually less than one half inch in diameter. However...

large unruptured aneurysms can occasionally press on the brain or the nerves stemming out of the brain and may result in various neurological symptoms. Any individual experiencing some or all of the following symptoms, regardless of age, should undergo immediate and careful evaluation by a physician.

Localized headache
Dilated pupils
Blurred or double vision
Pain above and behind eyes
Weakness and numbness
Difficulty speaking

Nowadays, Jones is doing more than many artists half his age. He's producing a half-dozen albums, including composer/pianist Emily Bear and singer Nikki Yanofsky, as well as trumpeter Clark Terry and rapper Snoop Dogg.