"My father was a carpenter, a very good carpenter. He also worked for the Jones boys. They were not family members, we weren't related at all. They started the policy racket in Chicago, and they had the five and dime store"
- Quincy Jones
About this Quote
In this quote, Quincy Jones provides a glance into his household background and hints at the socio-economic context of his training. He begins by introducing his daddy as a carpenter, stressing his ability and skills with the phrase "a great carpenter." This not just highlights his father's profession but likewise recommends a sense of pride and regard for his father's craftsmanship and work ethic.
The reference of his dad working for "the Jones kids" presents an appealing layer of complexity. By clarifying that they "were not family members, we weren't related at all," Quincy identifies his household from another group, in spite of sharing the typical surname. This distinction is important as it implies that the Jones kids are more than just employers; they are noteworthy figures within the community or specific circles.
Quincy states that the Jones kids "started the policy racket in Chicago," which likely describes their involvement in an illegal lottery game that was popular in lots of African American neighborhoods during the early to mid-20th century. This sort of operation, often known as the "numbers game," was a type of gambling where gamers bet on daily number combinations. It was prevalent in different city centers and acted as a significant financial engine for marginalized neighborhoods, albeit also related to organized crime.
Finally, Quincy discusses that the Jones young boys had "the five and penny store," suggesting their entrepreneurial endeavors extended beyond the unlawful lotto organization into legitimate retail operations. A five and cent shop, comparable to what we know today as a range store or discount shop, was a type of retail business where economical home products could be acquired. This addition to the narrative provides a fuller photo of the dual nature of their impact-- balancing both decent and illegal business within their community.
Through these details, Quincy Jones weaves a detailed narrative about his daddy's workplace, indirectly touching upon themes of racial dynamics, financial survival, and the juxtaposition of legality and illegality in company practices during his formative years in Chicago.
This quote is written / told by Quincy Jones somewhere between March 14, 1933 and today. He was a famous Musician from USA.
The author also have 15 other quotes.