Whether hashing out Beat It over the phone or jamming with Snoop Dogg, artists who worked alongside Jones recall his skill, kindness and lust for life

The 89-year-old musician and bandleader was born in the same generation as Quincy Jones, as jazz gave way to pop in the middle of the century. He also co-founded A&M Records, soon home to artists including Burt Bacharach, Joan Baez – and Jones himself