I love this self help book. Took alot of notes to look back on later. Quincy is very inspirational in his writing. It sparks your creativity side. This is a book if you are questioning some things in life you should definitely read. I will definitely recommend this book.

# 12 Notes is by author # Quincy Jones. Also known as one of the world's most beloved musicians, producers and mentors. This is a self-development guide that Quincy Jones presents readers lessons that are hardworking and accessible. He includes sections as how to transform grief into power, how to set goals, and his own creative process .
Thank you for the advance copy,
# Netgalley, # Quincy Jones, and # ABRAMS

Having just seen the new well-made documentary on Quincy Jones directed by his daughter Rashida Jones and Alan Hicks, I definitely wanted to read this book because I felt there was more I wanted to learn about Quincy Jones. This book did not disappoint -- he wrote it when he was 88 years old (think 88 keys) and structures it around 12 notes of music. Not only did I learn a lot about his experience and background, I learned a lot about music and the music industry. But most importantly this book is really him passing on his incredible wisdom to the next generations. As someone 30 years younger than him, I highlighted many of his tidbits for myself "If you don't retire, you never have to make a comeback" as well as the importance of stretching your left brain and listening to your right brain (instincts). As I was reading this, I also realized this would be an incredible book for my son who is about to graduate from college - his advice about dreaming big and not putting limitations on yourself - and using "mess ups" as an opportunity to learn. And most of all, cultivate your relationships. Alan Hicks who directed his documentary is also quoted in this book about his encounter with Clark Terry (and Quincy and Alan went on to make a documentary about Clark's life and his impact on both of their lives called "Keep on Keepin' on). A quote he also made in his 2001 autobiography, still resonates with me today - "the values you care within yourself, of work, love, and integrity, carry the greatest worth because these are what get you through with your dreams intact, your heart held firm, and your spirit ready for another day."

Quincey Jones is truly a National treasure.He is smart talented real&his advice is logical well worth taking I really enjoyed reading and gaining knowledge from him.#netgalley #aabrams

This quick read is reminiscent of conversations you’d have with your grandfather about life, love, and success, if your grandfather happened to be Quincy Jones.

He has worked with so many legends in the past 70 plus years that you will lose count of all of them. He seems sharper than most and isn’t name dropping; this is and has been his life.

He has written a life lesson for each of the 12 notes and shares the highs and lows of his life. It’s gets personal with details of visiting his mentally ill mother during childhood, being a traveling musician during segregation, and getting caught in a war in France.

It’s a good read for fans of music, history, and Quincy Jones.

Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Image for an ARC of this book.

Quincy Jones is a monumental figure in the music world, and being the music lover I am I jumped at the opportunity to read this. First of all, The Weeknd’s foreword was like a red carpet being rolled out for royalty and felt like the perfect introduction. It made me excited for what came ahead. But what I loved most about this work was that it wasn’t a memoir or biography, and every story had a reason, a moral or lesson to be learned. Jones is writing this book at the age of 88 and the wisdom he has to impart comes from years of experience on the road, in the studio, and through the trying times of the civil rights era.

Not only has he worked with greats like Michael Jackson and Ray Charles, but Quincy Jones earned countless awards, many times as the first African American to do so. Despite the many doubters to his career, Q came out on top and writes this book from a place of power. His passion beams through the pages and you can’t help but take that with you after the last page has turned. It was a concise read, every word spoken with purpose, and I truly enjoyed it. Highly recommend for music lovers and creatives who speak from their soul. 4.5 stars rounded up for 5

Thank you to the publisher ABRAMS for providing a copy of review via Netgalley.

Few individuals have achieved the level of professional success of Quincy Jones, so when he offers advice on life and creativity, we'd do well to pay attention. This is Quincy as life coach, and he treads some very familiar personal development territory with themes of turning your pain into purpose; looking for role models and mentors; being prepared; action bias; innovation; relationships; and paying it forward among others. In terms of bottom line action steps, there's not much new here. What he does differently is align his life and creativity lessons to the 12 notes of music - the message being 'compose your own arrangements and you'll get a new song (life outcome) each time. He also seamlessly weaves illustrative biographical points to support his messages, and the foreword by "The Weeknd" revealed a charming story that show Quincy's character and humility and how he walks his talk. I cringe at any Sinatra lionizing these days - and there's quite a bit, so it seems that Quincy is much more comfortable turning a critical lens toward himself than toward his contemporaries. A solid companion piece to the Quincy documentary produced and directed by his daughter Rashida Jones. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because it's solid advice from a legend who did overcome a lot in his early life and understands and communicates the role luck and circumstance also play alongside drive and talent.

I received a digital pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank Abrams Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I would also like to thank Quincy Jones for writing this book. I was listening to Watercolors on satellite radio and heard the announcer mention that Quincy Jones had written a book that would be out in April. I looked on line and requested it- 12 notes. I am so glad that I did! It is a beautifully written , deeply felt book. It is not an autobiography,( he wrote one about 20 years ago), but a series of essays on how to succeed, how to strive , how to be. It is almost a cliche these days to say- live your best life, but that is what Quincy Jones has done and this book talks about the things he did, in that pursuit. It talks about what worked, what didn't, what he did right and what he did wrong.He does include parts of his life story, his early beginnings, the people who helped him and who he helped, his health issues and financial struggles. It is clear , unsparing and concise. It is broken into 12 chapters, each with a title and a heading pertaining to a musical note-ex- the second chapter is" If you see it you can be it- A#".I have seen it referred to as a "self help" book, but it is so much more. I highly recommend it.

Quincy Jones is a national treasure, and this book was another example of why. He shares life advice that can be applied to any area, not just music. He is humble and has a beautiful approach to work. He gives practical advice for living a life of creativity and hard work.

12 NOTES On LIFE AND CREATIVITY
by Quincy Jones
ABRAMS, Abrams Image.
Pub Date: Apr 5

One of the most talented persons on the planet, producer-musician Quincy Jones, illuminates the creative process in this wonderful book for anyone interested in self-expression. He shares from his long storied experience, plus that of many talented collaborators, and gives practical and inspiring instruction on living a fruitful creative life. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the author, ABRAMS Books, and NetGalley for the digital ARC. Opinions are mine.

#12Notes #QuincyJones #ABRAMS #NetGalley #creativity #thecreativelife #bookstagramcommunity

3.5 Stars

This is a Self-Help book clocking in at just under 200 pages from legendary musician and record producer Quincy Jones. I love rock and celebrity biographies, and already knew some basic facts about this entertainment icon. For instance, he produced the biggest selling album of all time, Michael Jackson's "Thriller", as well as the charity penned hit song, "We are the World", and had been married to sixties "Mod Squad" actress Peggy Lipton.

Quincy is now 89 years old, but still keeps working and learning each day. He loves life, but recounts a time back in his twenties when he nearly took his own life out of financial desperation. Each chapter of the book is spearheaded by one of the twelve notes in music and gives great advice that not only pertains to music, but general tools for a successful and meaningful life. Much of it rang true for me because my son is a young very talented and passionate musician and composer. A lot of it is common sense- and I recognized the admirable traits of integrity, generosity, information-seeking and intense hard work in my own son as he navigates the music business. As I read I kept thinking that this would be a good book to be used in Music Business college classes.

Decades ago Quincy wrote his actual full biography, and though this shorter book includes relevant moments in his life to illustrate points, don't expect a general biography here. The book's foreward is written by much younger musical artist The Weeknd where he talks about seeing Quincy at one of his earlier shows. Weeknd was dazzled and made a beeline to talk to him after the show, but Quincy directed him to pay attention to his fans first. He assured Weeknd that he would still be waiting patiently to talk to him afterward. This was the first lesson told in this book- one that Quincy learned from musical greats that were kind, generous and patient with him.

Quincy embraces people always underestimating him throughout his career where he surprised and exceeded their expectations. When you work really hard and do your best this leads to other opportunities. Always treat people well and have integrity...doing the right thing when no one else is looking...this is your reputation which spreads and can either fuel or derail a career. Read books and learn everything you can. Always be prepared so that you don't miss out on opportunities. As I stated this book is music centric but has general applications towards a successful career and life. Quincy Jones came from very humble and tragic beginnings, and this short, instructive book really shows what you can make of your life if you have a passion, do the hard work and are blessed with the generosity of those who can help.

Thank you to the publisher Abrams for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.