Prominent Figures Pay Homage to Quincy Jones

Leading figures across popular culture and politics, including Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, Sir Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder, have honored Quincy Jones through a series of individual commendations. Stevie Wonder, in an extensive tribute published in Rolling Stone, stated that the musician and producer, who passed away on Sunday at 91 years old, “should be remembered as one of God’s greatest gifts to the world”. Oprah Winfrey remarked that “my life changed forever for the better” following their meeting, characterizing him as “love lived out loud in human form”. Sir Paul McCartney declared him “supremely talented” and recounted that he “always had a twinkle in his eye and had a very positive, loving spirit which infected everyone who knew him”. “His long career stretches back to the early days when he was a trumpet player, then a band leader, then a producer of many great records,” Sir Paul McCartney penned. He continued: “But it is as a friend I would like to remember him. We always had fun in his presence and his legend will continue through the years, but it is those private moments we were lucky enough to have with the great man that I will always remember fondly.” Quincy Jones contributed to the production of iconic recordings alongside artists such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, and composed over 50 scores for films and television. Additionally, he produced films like 1985’s The Color Purple, a project that marked a significant career breakthrough for Winfrey. The presenter and actress stated, “I had never experienced, nor have since, anyone whose heart was so filled with love.” She added, “He walked around with his heart wide open, and he treated everybody as if they were the most important person he’d ever met. He was the Light. No shadows.” Winfrey further commented: “He was the Mightiest of Souls. His life enhanced mine and every life he touched. That will be his global legacy.”Biggest, fullest, most love-filled life ever. One of One!” In his homage, Wonder expressed that “losing Quincy is more than heartbreaking”. The two collaborated when Jones produced the 1985 charity single We Are the World, and on tracks featuring Jackson and Donna Summer. Wonder noted that Jones was driven by “the idea of giving and getting the best – not for the money of it, just for the art of it”. He continued, “You can look back and hear all of that when you hear his music.” The singer also stated that Jones “should be remembered as a star that we will keep burning for as long as we, as humans, exist, by carrying on the messages and the music that he did”. Wonder concluded: “If I could have chosen my last words to Quincy before he made that transition, I would have to borrow something that Duke Ellington would always say: ‘Quincy, I love you madly.'” The Weeknd, who authored the foreword for Jones’s book 12 Notes On Life And Creativity and included him on his album Dawn FM, shared a 900-word homage to “the man who changed, not only the course of my life, but the course of history”. He observed, “The work that he does when the cameras are turned off have often been the most impactful.” The Weeknd continued: “His humility was beyond me. In this business, it’s common to think you’re the biggest VIP on Earth after earning a hit record and a bit of fame. “But to see the man who has achieved more than anyone else carry himself without a single ounce of selfishness was the best example of walking the talk.”” Producer Pharrell Williams lauded Jones as “The Greatest Of All Time”. He expressed, “I’m honored to have known Quincy and to have shared so many moments with him.” Williams added, “An unparalleled talent that I will miss deeply.” Justin Timberlake characterized Jones as “a once in a lifetime artist”. He was “the example of excellence at craft” and “a mentor to so many that have followed”, Timberlake penned. Timberlake continued: “Growing up listening to so many of his timeless works shaped so much of the music that I wanted to make or be a part of. The maestro behind so many of my favorite artists.” He further stated: “There were so many bits of guidance he gave me along the way that I will take with me forever.” Timberlake concluded his statement: “RIP, King. Your contribution will live on forever and ever. What a journey you have taken us all on.” Bono, the frontman for U2, wrote: “Where he is this evening… the music will be a little more melodic, a little more interesting harmonically and certainly more rhythmic… and yes, louder.” Wyclef Jean, rapper and producer for The Fugees, commented: “R.I.P to my mentor #QuincyJones, you’re the reason I became a composer at 16… Long live the musical king.” Barbra Streisand, who collaborated with Jones on her 1988 album Till I Loved You, remarked: “He gave so much to the world. I will miss you so much my dear friend.” She added, “Dearest Quincy, we will always keep you in our hearts.” Diana Ross, who co-starred with Michael Jackson in the 1978 film The Wiz, for which Jones produced the soundtrack, stated: “His love and music touched our hearts and souls. His words and legacy will continue to inspire us all forever.” Jones’ extensive and diverse career additionally encompassed co-producing the TV sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, a show that initiated Will Smith’s career. Smith penned, “Quincy Jones is the definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend.” He continued: “He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me. He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.” Quincy Jones also fostered a new cohort of artists, among them Grammy-winning British musician Jacob Collier. Collier wrote: “More than a legend. A real-life superhero. A master maverick magician. A fierce lover of life. A human being of the highest order. My friend, soul brother, and North Star…” He added: “He lifted me up, giving me the courage to believe in my essence and follow wherever it would lead, in a way that would fundamentally change the course of my life forever.” Collier further stated: “I’ll greatly miss my homie, the ultra coolest ‘grandpa’ figure on the planet – the wry twinkling eye, the crooked pointing finger, the unmatched stories of Picasso, Stravinsky, Sinatra, Bird