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Remembering Quincy Jones, acclaimed music producer, who passed away at 91
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AirTalk Tile 2024
Nov 4, 2024
Listen 50:13
Remembering Quincy Jones, acclaimed music producer, who passed away at 91

Today on AirTalk, we will start the show with a reflection on the life of the legendary record producer Quincy Jones and his massive cultural impact on the music industry and beyond. Next on the program, we will catch up on all the latest election news including the state of voting and polling results both statewide and nationally. For today’s SoCal history lesson, we are taking a look back at how California’s ballot initiatives came to be and how the process has evolved into what we see today. The last hour of AirTalk today will be a rerun of the LAist ballot cram session event in which Larry Mantle and a panel of expert guests walk you through the basics of all of the state-wide props.

A black man writes at a desk with headphones on upside down.
Quincy Jones at his L.A. home studio in October 1974.
(
George Brich
/
AP
)

Remembering Quincy Jones, acclaimed music producer, who passed away at 91

Listen 17:05
Remembering Quincy Jones, acclaimed music producer, who passed away at 91 

Quincy Jones, the multitalented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and hundreds of other recording artists, has died at 91. Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, says he died Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family. Jones was to have received an honorary Academy Award later this month. Today on AirTalk, we remember Jones and ask listeners to share their memories or connections with the producer. Please call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.

With files from the Associated Press

We check in on the latest ahead of Election Day

Listen 22:57
We check in on the latest ahead of Election Day

Ballots are already being collected as Election Day quickly approaches. Today on AirTalk, we check in on the state of voting, polling and how campaigns are winding down, both nationally and locally. Joining to discuss is Ron Elving, senior editor and correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News, and Sara Sadhwani, assistant professor of political science at Pomona College.

SoCal History: California’s ballot initiative process

Listen 10:09
SoCal History: California’s ballot initiative process

Ballot initiatives are a standard part of our lives as California residents, but believe it or not, voters haven’t always had the ability to pass or repeal legislation. Beginning in 1911, the California Constitution was amended to give voters more power to enact legislation. This was a huge step in democratizing state government. How did this amendment come to pass and what has been the impact ever since? Today on our SoCal history segment we explore the history of California’s initiative process. Joining us today on Airtalk is Dan Walters, political columnist at CalMatters and Fernando Guerra, professor of political science at Loyola Marymount University where he is the founding director of the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles.

AirTalk’s Ballot Cram Session - A Voter Game Plan Event

Listen 54:11
AirTalk’s Ballot Cram Session - A Voter Game Plan Event

Election day is just around the corner, with vote-by-mail ballots on the way to homes next month. We know it’s not always easy to navigate these propositions on your own. The good news is there’s still time to study up. Get your notepads and pencils ready — it’s time for a one-hour cram session. Larry Mantle and a panel of expert guests walk you through the basics of all of the state-wide props: what they are, the pros and cons, and what’s at stake. They’ll also tackle the proposal to expand the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from five members to nine. Bookmark LAist’s Voter Game Plan: Everything you need as you prep for the November 5 General Election — study our interactive voter guides and ask questions.

Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, Morning Edition, AirTalk Friday, The L.A. Report Morning Edition
Senior Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Associate Producer, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek