The Weeknd, Michael Caine, Michael Jackson’s estate and other stars pay tribute to Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer and composer, died November 3 at age 91, his family announced Monday morning. Tributes immediately began pouring in, as celebrities from all over the entertainment industry paid tribute to the 28-time Grammy winner for his contributions to culture, which included producing Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad,” producing and conducting the “We Are the World” charity single, and composing the score for and producing the film “The Color Purple,” among countless other achievements in music, film, and television.
“The world mourns the loss & celebrates the life of Quincy Jones – a legendary talent whose contributions to music spanned generations and genres. What an MJ/Q decade-long partnership produced is unmatched and includes the biggest selling album of all time,” the official X account of Michael Jackson’s estate posted. “Rest in Peace, Q.”
“My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world,” actor Michael Caine posted on X. “He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.” Jones composed the score for the 1969 film “The Italian Job,” which Caine starred in.
Rev. Al Sharpton paid tribute to Jones, sharing a photo of them together at a 2008 ASCAP award ceremony where Jones received the Pied Piper award. “Today, we remember a true giant—a cultural icon whose transformative influence will live on,” the former presidential candidate wrote.
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 pic.twitter.com/PWpaTsLkLn
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) November 4, 2024
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“You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example,” rapper and actor LL Cool J wrote on Instagram. “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. #ripquincyjones one of one.” LL dated Jones’ daughter Kidada from 1992 to 1994.
“I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a description loosely used but Rarely deserved,” rapper and actor Ice-T wrote on X. “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.” Ice and Jones won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1991 along with Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, Melle Mel & Quincy Jones III for their collaborative track “Back on the Block.”
I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a discription 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… https://t.co/avABvXz0tj pic.twitter.com/nL9UbN1MGc
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) November 4, 2024
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Abel Tesfaye, the singer known as The Weeknd, shared a photo of the two of them and thanked Jones “for everything.”
The Reason Thank you for everything Mr. Quincy Jones. pic.twitter.com/wS1pVFFLHG
— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) November 4, 2024
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Actor Colman Domingo, who starred in the Jones-produced musical remake of “The Color Purple,” shared a memory of the time he met Jones. “He asked, where are you from? Philly I replied, his eyes twinkled and he talked about the Uptown Theater,” the “Sing Sing” star posted on X. “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.”
“Rest in Peace and Perfect Pitch Quincy Jones!” actress Sheryl Lee Ralph wrote on X. “What a life well lived.”
“The People v. O.J. Simpson” writer and producer Larry Karaszewski shared that his son’s middle name is Quincy after Jones, “born the night Q produced the Oscars.”
R.I.P. Quincy Jones. The G.O.A.T. – So many great soundtracks, albums and songs. My son’s middle name is Quincy – he was born the night Q produced the Oscars. This pic captures Quincy having a good time at a screening he hosted for “Dolemite is My Name.” pic.twitter.com/PIP9fh0kzD
— Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) November 4, 2024
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Bassist Peter Hook, whose iconic post-punk band New Order was signed to Jones’ Qwest record label in America, shared a happy memory on X. “When he signed us to his label, he made us feel so welcome – inviting us to dinner at his home every time we were in town,” Hook wrote. “He made us big in America. He was so humble & sweet that you immediately fell in love with him.”
Jazz critic and music historian Ted Gioia acknowledged Jones’ remarkable versatility. “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,” he wrote on X. “What a remarkable career!”
Music journalist Jeff Weiss succinctly summarized Jones’ contributions to culture: “RIP Quincy Jones, who defined the highest level of musical genius for 5 generations. Perhaps the greatest producer & soundtrack composer of all-time. The most quotable, the coolest, who made everything from Thriller to Vibe to the Fresh Prince. Who did it all, better than anyone.”