Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Release History & Theatrical Window
New York Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
October 5, 1990
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ellen Weissbrod
- Screenplay & Story
- Ellen Weissbrod
- Original Title
- Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 55m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ellen Weissbrod
Ellen Weissbrod
Department Leadership Roster
Ellen Weissbrod
Writer
Ellen Weissbrod
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones.
1990
Similar Titles to Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
6.5
5.0
5.5
6.8
5.8
3.7
5.2
6.5
7.9
6.8
6.5
5.6
6.8
More Like Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
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?
The principal cast of Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones includes Quincy Jones, Clarence Avant, George Benson, Big Daddy Kane, Tevin Campbell.
When was Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones released and how long is it?
Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones was released in 1990 with a total runtime of 1h 55m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones?
Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).