Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey Among Stars Paying Tribute to Quincy Jones: “A Legend, a Titan, a Mentor”
Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Will Smith and the Estate of Michael Jackson were among the prominent Hollywood figures to pay tribute to Quincy Jones following news of his death early Monday.
Jones died Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
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A giant in the music industry, Jones had a phenomenal career that spanned more than 60 years. He produced Michael Jackson’s best-selling albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad; helmed the historic recording sessions for the 1985 charity single “We Are the World,” the best-selling single of all time; and produced Lesley Gore’s 1963 chart-topping hit “It’s My Party.”
Jones received the Motion Picture Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995, an honorary Oscar in 2024 and the Grammy Legend Award in 1991 and reeled in 28 Grammys from an all-time best 80 nominations.
The Estate of Michael Jackson said in a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter, “It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of and celebrate the life and talent of the great Quincy Jones. Michael Jackson had tremendous admiration for Quincy’s spirit and vision.Together they produced Michael’s three massive worldwide hit albums, enduring masterpieces of contemporary music: Off the Wall, Bad, and Thriller; the mass cultural and media phenomenon that remains the biggest selling album of all time. Another collaboration, ‘We Are the World’ written by Michael and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy, became one of the biggest selling singles ever and raised funds for the 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia.
The statement continued, “Quincy changed the course of popular music numerous times during his illustrious career, widening its horizons and bringing his take on jazz, R&B and pop to the mainstream. We celebrate his spirit and honor his tremendous contribution to our understanding and appreciation of music.”
Winfrey wrote in a lengthy tribute that Jones was “The world’s beloved Q,” adding, “My life changed forever for the better after meeting him.”
Carey wrote on Instagram that Jones was a “legend, a titan, a mentor.” Elton John wrote on social media that Jones “played with the best and he produced the best.”
Jones’ daughter, actress Rashida Jones, wrote in a statement that her father “was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius,” adding the monikers were “all accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love.”
Clive Davis said in a statement, “Quincy Jones was a true giant of music. Whether it was jazz, pop, r&b or rock, no genre of music escaped his genius. Among the greats he collaborated with were Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Count Basie, Ray Charles and Lesley Gore. Say ‘We Are The World’ and say ‘The Color Purple’ and you’ll understand the range of his music. He was the ultimate music renaissance man and a true inspiration to all of us in music.”
Motown founder Berry Gordy called his friend, Jones “one of the true greats of our time.”
“His body of work is incomparable. He had the ability to move seamlessly over seven decades – from music genre to genre, artists young to old – and was a master with them all,” Gordy added in a statement. “Quincy was a true man of music who knew its unique and powerful ability to unite us all. He will be missed but will live on through his incredible body of work.”
Oscar-winning actor Michael Caine, Jones’ longtime friend and “celestial twin” posted on X (formerly Twitter): “My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world. He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.”
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Monét tweeted: “?????????? to one of my biggest inspirations! Quincy, I love you so much!!! Your legacy will live on forever and ever ?? Heaven definitely got an upgrade with you.”
Actor Domingo posted: “He asked, where are you from? Philly I replied, his eyes twinkled and he talked about the Uptown Theater. I was so thrilled to meet Mr. American Music himself. I literally kneeled because he was a King. Thank you Mr. Quincy Jones for giving us all the sound.”
Reverend Al Sharpton posted: “I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Quincy Jones. Today, we remember a true giant — a cultural icon whose transformative influence will live on???”
The official BAFTA account posted: “We’re saddened to hear that legendary musician and producer Quincy Jones has died aged 91. Alongside an illustrious career in popular music, Jones also composed a huge number of film soundtracks including The Italian Job and turned his hand to producing for screen with The Color Purple and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”
Nancy and Tina Sinatra said in a statement: “Quincy was an ever-present force in our lives—in good times and bad—constant and loving. He was our “brother from another mother,” he’d say. We were blessed to know him. We love you, Q—from here to eternity. Hug Pop and save us a seat at the bar!”
Read on to see what else Hollywood is saying about Jones.
Director, screenwriter and producer Reginald Hudlin posted: “Quincy was a giant inspiration for me in so many ways. He was a master craftsman who worked in so many genres of music, as well as a producer in film and television. When I became the second Black person to produce the Oscar broadcast, he (the first) called and gave me wonderful advice. Capturing his friendship with Clarence Avant on film in THE BLACK GODFATHER documentary was everything to me. Blessings to his talented, lovely family.”
English musician Billy Bragg posted: “Quincy Jones produced so much amazing music during his long career, but I never knew he was responsible for the soundtrack of The Italian Job! Here’s a great example of his genius production and arrangement. So long, sir.”
Jazz critic and music historian Ted Gioia posted: “RIP Quincy Jones, who leaves us at age 91. No musician of his generation moved so effortlessly and brilliantly between styles and settings — collaborating with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson to Miles Davis. What a remarkable career!”
South African singer and songwriter Lady Zamar posted: “quincy jones is one of the most prolific musos of our time, a trailblazer and savant. he produced my favorite album of all time, thriller: such an amazing body of work…a man we now get to celebrate in this sad time.”
Broadcaster Skip Bayless posted: “RIP Quincy Jones, star-making genius.”
Actor Colin Salmon posted: “Quincy Jones was a true musical Don, from Ray Charles, Sinatra, Michael Jackson; more recently championing Jacob Collier and beyond. As a kid his major influence for me was the soundtrack to The Italian Job. Yes the Self Preservation Society was penned by him. Thank you Maestro you changed the World. RIP”
Journalist Roland Martin posted: “Peace and love to one of the greatest ever. Quincy Jones is now an ancestor.”
Legendary French singer Line Renaud posted: “Quincy, my dear Quincy, you too have joined the stars and this morning my heart is heavy. With you, life swung, it jazzed, you were joy and rhythm, you were a genius!”
Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae posted: “I thought Quincy Jones was gonna live forever ??. What an incredible loss. RIP to the greatest to ever do it! ???”
Actor Robert Davi posted: “While I am devastated that my friend Quincy Jones has passed I think of his Genius , Heart , Talent , Inspiration , Support , Encouragement , Love , Understanding , Kindness , Acceptance , Friendship. He gave to all ! Deepest Condolences to Family , Friends, Fans-Love you Q -RIP”
Musician turned political activist Peter Daou posted: “RIP Quincy Jones, the platinum standard of music production. During all my years in the music business, he was the role model every producer looked up to.”
Glee star Kevin McHale posted: “The literal best to have ever done it. Our lives would be worse off if Quincy Jones hadn’t existed. Thank you Quincy for making this world a happier, richer place.”
The Peggy Lee Estate recalled how Lee “often spoke of Quincy Jones as one of her most cherished musical collaborators and as a dear friend with whom she shared a deep spiritual connection.”
“Together, they wrote seven compositions that became beloved parts of Peggy’s repertoire, included on her albums Blues Cross Country and If You Go, both of which Quincy arranged and conducted, and for the film Walk Don’t Run,” the statement from estate manager and Lee’s granddaughter Holly Foster Wells reads. “Quincy’s artistry shone not only on the albums they crafted together but also in the countless live performances they shared, especially during the unforgettable days at Basin Street East in New York City. Over the years, Quincy gifted Peggy with numerous exquisite arrangements, including two from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, each one a testament to his boundless talent and generous spirit. May his memory and music continue to inspire and bring joy, as he always did so effortlessly.”
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