Legendary producer, arranger, and composer Quincy Jones passed away on Sunday, November 3, at the age of 91. Jones’ career spanned more than 70 years, and he worked with many of the most famous musicians in pop, jazz, and R&B. Quincy also was a movie and TV composer, film producer, record executive, publisher, and philanthropist.
His most famous musical endeavors included producing Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad albums, and the star-studded “We Are the World” charity single.
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Tributes have begun pouring in from musicians from various genres who either worked with Jones, were his friend, or simply admired him and his enduring achievements. Here are a selection of homages posted by various well-known artists:
Elton John
Elton John posted a tribute message that was accompanied by a photo of Jones and him at one of his annual Oscar Viewing Party events, which raises money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“Nobody had a career as incredible as Quincy Jones,” John wrote. “He played with the best and he produced the best. What a guy. Loved him.” Elton also noted that Jones was “[a]lways a loyal supporter” of the AIDS Foundation fundraiser.
Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie, who co-wrote “We Are the World” with Jackson, posted a note that reads, “Wow, Q – what a great ride!! – with love always.” The message was accompanied by a photo of Richie and Jones together.
John Legend
John Legend posted a lengthy, heartfelt message that began with his recollection of the first time he spoke with Jones.
“[H]e was gently reprimanding me because one of my team members wasn’t representing me well during my first year in the public eye,” the singer/songwriter recalled. “What a way to meet one of your heroes.”
He then noted, “Well after that, we became good friends: we collaborated, we celebrated together all over the world, from Como to Montreux, California to New York. … He gave me great advice and always had the best stories.”
Legend continued, “This man has lived one of the most consequential lives in the history of humanity. He was behind some of the most important music and culture we will ever know. And beyond all his accomplishments, anyone who knows Q will talk about the JOY he brought to every room. He was the life of the party, so charming and full of light. I feel so fortunate to have witnessed it in person.”
John concluded, “But we’re all so fortunate to live in a world made more beautiful by the music he created. It will be eternally in our hearts. We love you, Q.”
Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan also posted an emotional and adulatory homage to Jones.
“The world is different today because @quincyjones is no longer in it,” she wrote. “But throughout his life, at every stage, and on every stage he changed our existence for the better with every note of music he created and everyone he touched with his love.”
Estefan added, “I feel privileged to have been in his sphere and be able to experience first-hand the wonder that was and will always be ‘Q,’ Mr. Quincy Jones. May he rest in peace and power and may his beloved family truly feel the love that he has left them and us as his most important legacy.”
Other Stars Pay Tributes
Here are a few other tributes posted by various musical luminaries:
Nile Rodgers: “Rest in Power #QuincyJones #leader #teacher #spirit #pioneer #thankyou.”
Darius Rucker: “We have lost one of the all time greats. The world will miss Quincy Jones. Rest my friend.”
Ice T: “I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a [description] loosely used but Rarely deserved. Point blank, Quincy was the MAN. I won my 1st Grammy with Quincy and I live with his Wisdom daily. My condolences go out to his family who I had the honor of meeting. This one Hit me. God bless you KING.”
(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage for Chopard)