Quincy Jones Says He ‘Wanted to Be a Gangster’ in Trailer for Netflix Doc (Video)

Netflix will stream the documentary Quincy. (Credit: Netflix)

Quincy Jones was born on the Southside of Chicago in 1933 to working class parents. After developing a love of music, he became one of the most successful producers and composers of all time.

The legendary producer is the subject of the new Netflix documentary, Quincy, co-directed by his daughter Rashida Jones and musician-turned-director, Alan Hicks.

At the film’s premiere Friday in Los Angeles, Rashida said the documentary is timely given the country’s current racial climate.

“My dad’s story is also the story of black America. He was born in the 30s. He’s seen every decade since. He’s been relevant in every decade since so we’re dealing with a lot of race stuff in this country and it’s important to tell the stories of the past,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s the only way we can learn. It’s the only way we can change and evolve and this is the great way to do it.”

Read MoreNetflix to Stream Quincy Jones Documentary on Iconic Producer’s Life

Quincy Jones and Rashida Jones At the 2007 Elton John Aids Foundation Oscar Party, Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood, CA 02-25-07 (Credit: Shutterstock)
Quincy Jones and Rashida Jones (Credit: Shutterstock)

In the trailer for the film, Quincy Jones says living on the Southside of Chicago,  he took notice of the neighborhood gangsters and aspired to be like them.

“I wanted to be a gangster until I was 11,” he said. “You want to be what you see and that’s all we ever saw.”

After his family moved to Washington state, he went on to study music and became a jazz arranger and conductor.

Over the years, the 85-year-old has won 27 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, a Tony and he received an Honorary Oscar.

Netflix describes the documentary on the iconic producer as “an intimate look ” into his life.

Quincy will begin streaming Sept. 21.

Watch the trailer below: