On Sunday, legendary record producer Quincy Jones sadly passed away at the age of 91. He leaves a staggering sonic legacy in his wake; from producing Michael Jackson’s 1982 record Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, to composing tunes for Frank Sinatra, Jones worked with countless musical superstars.
Many public figures have stepped up to pay their respect to the bold producer. Previous president Barack Obama shared some words via X, praising Jones’ multi-faceted career.
“For decades, Quincy Jones was music,” Obama writes. “From producing [Michael Jackson’s] Thriller, to composing the score for The Colour Purple, to working with Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles, it seemed like every big record – and every big film – had Quincy’s name on it.”
“His music appealed to listeners of every race and every age,” the post continues. “By building a career that took him from the streets of Chicago to the heights of Hollywood, Quincy paved the way for generations of Black executives to leave their mark on the entertainment business.”
For decades, Quincy Jones was music. From producing Thriller, to composing the score for The Color Purple, to working with Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles, it seemed like every big record – and every big film – had Quincy’s name on it.
His music appealed to listeners of every race… pic.twitter.com/kKTJ8YFR3y
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 4, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris, has also shared some words amid the current presidential election. “Quincy Jones was a trailblazer,” she writes. “A composer, arranger, record and movie producer, he created art that brought joy to millions of people.”
“As an activist, Quincy championed civil and human rights,” she adds. “As a role model, he offered inspiration and mentorship, in particular for young people of colour in the music industry. I was honored to call Quincy a friend, and I will always remember his generosity of spirit, his selfless support, and his deep kindness.”
Quincy Jones was a trailblazer.
As a composer, arranger, record and movie producer, he created art that brought joy to millions of people. As an activist, Quincy championed civil and human rights. As a role model, he offered inspiration and mentorship, in particular for young… pic.twitter.com/IeqjpTPtKr
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) November 4, 2024
Elsewhere, Oprah Winfrey has also shared her love for her “beloved Q” in a touching tribute. Without Jones “discovering” her for 1985’s The Colour Purple.
“My life changed forever for the better after meeting him.” she writes on Instagram. “I had never experienced, nor have since, anyone who’s heart was so filled with love. He walked around with his heart wide open, and treated everybody as if they were the most important person he’d ever met. He was the Light. No shadows. He was the first person I ever loved unconditionally.”
Jones also played a part in kickstarting Will Smith’s career, urging him to audition for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. “Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend,” Smith writes on Instagram. “He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me, he nurtured me… he let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.”
Many musicians have also shared photos and tales of their experiences with Jones. In an Instagram post, Dr Dre explains how Jones’ work inspired him to pursue music. “Quincy is the reason why I decided to become a record producer,” he explains. “His records were my go-to when I started engineering. All of the time that I spent hanging out with him was priceless and I love how open he was- the advice he gave me, the conversations we had have helped me in my life and career. Forever inspired by the incomparable Quincy Jones.”
Rapper LL Cool J’s Instagram post honours Jones as an inspirational mentor. “You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example,” he says. “Mentor. Role model. King. 👑You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you. My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally.”
DJ and producer David Guetta took to X to share his own photo with Jones. “It’s hard to find the words to express the impact Quincy Jones has had on me, as well as on music and culture as a whole,” he writes. “Quincy wasn’t just a legend, he was an inspiration, a trailblazer, and a true genius. He produced my favorite album of all time, ‘Thriller’, an album that set the standard for what music could be, blending genres and pushing boundaries.”
“I had the honor of meeting Quincy, notably at the Grammys, where we even had the chance to speak in French, a language he mastered so beautifully,” he adds. “Those moments will stay with me forever.”
It’s hard to find the words to express the impact @QuincyDJones has had on me, as well as on music and culture as a whole. Quincy wasn’t just a legend, he was an inspiration, a trailblazer, and a true genius. He produced my favorite album of all time, ‘Thriller’ by… pic.twitter.com/LzADJWoyLl
— David Guetta (@davidguetta) November 4, 2024
Elton John praised the producer, noting that “nobody had a career as incredible as Quincy Jones.” Mariah Carey also called Jones “a legend, a titan, a mentor” in another tribute post.
Respect is also being shared by actors. Cockney acting legend Michael Caine had a particularly unique bond with Jones. “My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world,” he writes on X. “He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.”
Frank Sinatra’s daughters Tina and Nancy took to their father’s official Facebook page to reflect on Jones’ passing. “Quincy was an ever-present force in our lives – in good times and bad – constant and loving,” they write. “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!”
Quincy was an ever-present force in our lives—in good times and bad—constant and loving. He was our “brother from…
Posted by Frank Sinatra on Monday, November 4, 2024
Alongside his musical legacy, Jones leaves behind seven children and… 22 girlfriends, if he managed to keep them all since his 2018 interview with GQ. Classic Q.
