The legendary Quincy Jones may have been linked to dozens of women over his 85 years, but only three hold the prestigious title of wife. Jones walked down the aisle with Jeri Caldwell, Ulla Andersson, and Peggy Lipton during his eventful life at the pinnacle of the music industry. These leading ladies provide insight into Jones‘ ideals around love, family, and commitment. Though not always faithful, Jones shared deep bonds with each partner in his own way.
Jeri Caldwell (1957-1966)
Jones met his first wife Jeri Caldwell, a songwriter and actress, soon after arriving in New York City in the 1950s to advance his composing career. They married in 1957 when Jones was just 24 years old. The relationship reflected Jones‘ early struggles to balance his adventurous bachelor lifestyle with marital responsibility.
Nonetheless, they welcomed a daughter named Jolie Jones in 1959. Jones also legally adopted Jeri‘s daughter Margo from a previous relationship. Unfortunately, constant touring and Jones‘ confessed difficulty with monogamy led to their divorce in 1966 after 9 years of marriage. However, this first attempt at committed partnership provided valuable experience.
Ulla Andersson (1974-1978)
Swedish actress Ulla Andersson helped revive Jones‘ creativity after a period of drug abuse and health issues in the late 1960s. Their chance meeting at a friend‘s wedding led to instant chemistry, with Jones proposing after just 10 days together! When they wed in 1974, Andersson‘s lively spirit reinvigorated the twice-divorced Jones.
During their 4-year marriage, Andersson nursed Jones back to health and motivated him to make big life changes. Jones adopted a vegetarian diet and quit smoking. He also founded his own record label, Qwest, launching major new projects. Though short-lived, this relationship represented a positive turning point in Jones‘ turbulent personal life.
Peggy Lipton (1974-1990)
Jones married Mod Squad actress Peggy Lipton just weeks after his split from Andersson, but their bond proved the most profound. The 16-year partnership was Jones‘ longest marriage and inspired some of his greatest creative works.
Together they raised two daughters, Kidada and Rashida Jones, who both grew up to have successful acting careers themselves. Jones collaboratively produced several of his biggest hits during this stable period, including Michael Jackson‘s Off the Wall and Thriller.
Though Jones admitiedly had various infidelities over the years, he and Lipton shared an enduring connection. Just months before Lipton‘s death from cancer in 2019, Jones told the media she was still "my beloved ex-wife Peggy."
While married life framed Jones‘ adult years, he engaged in countless whirlwind romances and flings as a wealthy bachelor. From casual dates to serious love affairs, Jones relished playing the field. Here are just some of the leading ladies who stole Jones‘ roving heart over the decades:
Carol Reynolds – Brief affair in 1960s resulted in daughter Rachel Jones
Dina Merrill – High society heiress and actress, dated in early 1970s
Nastassja Kinski – Long-term relationship in 1990s, had 2 children together
Veronica Porsche – Former model-turned-actress, dated 1983-2004
Bren Simon – Philanthropist and socialite, dated 2005-2009
Kathy Bishop – Celebrity estate manager, dated 2015-present
At age 84, Jones still enjoys lovely companionship, recently stepping out with 51-year-old British singer Kiley Dean. Their PDA-filled dates prove this inveterate playboy remains forever young at heart when it comes to romance!
While Jones had his share of real-life heartbreak and drama, he channeled tales of love and loss into incredibly moving music. As both songwriter and producer, Jones worked intricately with artists to craft sentimental songs that continue touching lovers‘ hearts and lives. Here are just a few of his classic love songs, along with their inspirations:
| Song | Artist | Story Behind the Song |
|---|---|---|
| "The Lady in My Life" | Michael Jackson | Written for Jackson‘s first serious girlfriend, Phyllis Hyman |
| "Just Once" | James Ingram | Captures Jones‘ own longing for lasting love |
| "The Girl from Ipanema" | Frank Sinatra | Song was originally written about a beautiful Brazilian girl |
| "Fly Me to the Moon" | Frank Sinatra | Jones‘ lush string arrangement evokes romance |
| "The Secret Garden" | Quincy Jones feat. Barry White, James Ingram, El DeBarge & Al B. Sure | Ode to the joy of finding true love |
In my view, Quincy Jones‘ colorful history with women remains intrinsic to understanding this creative genius. His three marriages reveal sincere efforts to build a loving family life, albeit marked by the restlessness and temptations faced by a global superstar. The many fleeting flings speak to Jones‘ romantic nature and thirst for living life to its fullest.
Yet out of both stable relationships and passionate encounters, Jones extracted inspiration that he poured into legendary songs. His music immortalized love in its myriad forms. While far from perfect in his personal conduct, Jones advanced timeless messages of romance, intimacy, and the human experience through his art.
As a lifelong admirer, I believe his brilliant career proves why true love connections, however imperfect or transient, must be valued. In the end, Jones gifted the world with beautiful love songs borne of a conflicted but unmistakably rich love journey. We are the lucky recipients of that creative legacy.
