Tributes have poured in for musical powerhouse Quincy Jones following news of his death aged 91 yesterday.
Jones — whose legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic Thriller album to writing award-winning film and television scores — helped shape the sound of jazz and pop over the course of his six-decade career.
The estate of Michael Jackson said in a statement the world mourns the loss and celebrates the life of “legendary talent” Quincy Jones.
“What Michael and he achieved over a decade-long partnership is unmatched, producing Off the Wall, Bad, and, of course, Thriller that remains the biggest selling album of all time.
“In addition, Michael, Lionel Richie and Quincy collaborated with multiple superstars to produce the charity single, We Are The World that raised more than $60 million to fight famine in Africa.
“But it was Quincy’s role as a father that was the most important to him.”
Paul McCartney said in a post to Instagram that Jones was “supremely talented” and that he “felt privileged to have known him for many years”.
“Quincy or ‘Quince’ or ‘Q’, as he was known, always had a twinkle in his eye and had a very positive, loving spirit which infected everyone who knew him.
“His work with Michael Jackson is, of course, legendary and he had so many other strings to his musical bow.”
The Weeknd shared his foreword to Jones’ book 12 Notes: On Life and Creativity.
“My fans know how important Quincy was to the fabric of my music,” he wrote in a post to X.
“I was given the opportunity to write a foreword to his book and tried to capture what he meant to me as a human. Let’s celebrate his life today.”
Nile Rodgers reposted a TikTok describing Jones as the “greatest of all time” and a “leader, teacher, spirit and pioneer”.
“Thank you.”
Will Smith saluted the late Fresh Prince of Bel Air producer as the “true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend”.
“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.”
Michael Caine, who shared the birthday of March 14, 1933 with Jones, said his “celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world”.
“He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.”
