Oprah Winfrey, Sir Elton John, and Barack Obama are among the many renowned figures who have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Quincy Jones following his passing at the age of 91. The announcement of his death on Monday prompted an outpouring of admiration from friends, collaborators, and admirers who celebrated his remarkable contributions to music and film.
Jones, a celebrated music producer and composer, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, working with iconic artists and shaping the sound of generations.
Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram to reflect on her profound gratitude for Jones, stating that her life “changed forever for the better” after their initial meeting. She credited him with securing her role in the 1985 film adaptation of “The Colour Purple,” a pivotal moment that earned her an Oscar nomination.
Winfrey described Jones as a figure overflowing with love, someone who treated everyone he encountered as if they were the most significant person in the room. Her heartfelt tribute highlighted Jones’s impact not only on her career but also on her personal life.
She wrote:
“My beloved Q. The world’s beloved Q. The one and only Quincy Jones ‘discovered’ me for The Color Purple movie in 1985. My life changed forever for the better after meeting him.
“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 he treated everybody as if they were the most important person he’d ever met. He was the Light. No shadows.
“He was love lived out loud in human form and he was the first person I ever loved unconditionally.”
In her own tribute, Whoopi Goldberg, who starred alongside Winfrey in “The Colour Purple,” shared her sorrow over Jones’s passing. She expressed her deep affection for him, saying that she felt fortunate to have had him in her life for so many years. Goldberg extended her condolences to Jones’s friends and family, emphasizing the love and admiration he garnered throughout his life.
Whoopi wrote:
“I was lucky enough to have him in my life for all these years.
“My heart is breaking for his friends and his extended family who loved and adored him… my condolences.”
Former President Barack Obama, who honored Jones with the US National Medal of Arts in 2010, remembered him as a legendary figure in music. Obama remarked on Jones’s vast contributions, from producing Michael Jackson’s iconic album “Thriller” to composing the score for “The Colour Purple.” He acknowledged that Jones’s work transcended racial and generational boundaries, creating a legacy that inspired countless Black executives in the entertainment industry.
“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 and every age. And 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.
“Michelle and I send our thoughts to Quincy’s friends, family, and everyone who has lived their lives to his songs.”
Sir Elton John fondly remembered Jones as having a career unmatched in the music industry. He shared a personal photo taken at the Elton John Aids Foundation Oscar viewing party and praised Jones as a loyal supporter of important causes. Elton emphasized the uniqueness of Jones’s talent, stating that no one had a career as incredible as his, noting that he worked with the best and produced exceptional music that resonated deeply with audiences.
In his words:
“loyal supporter of this important fundraiser”.
“Nobody had a career as incredible as Quincy Jones. He played with the best and he produced the best. What a guy. Loved him.”
Rapper Ice T hailed Jones as a “genius,” while Grammy-winning artist Lenny Kravitz shared his shock and admiration, calling Jones’s life an expression of authenticity and a gift to those who knew him. Kravitz expressed gratitude for the friendship and openness Jones offered throughout their relationship, reflecting the deep respect he held for the legendary musician.
Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland expressed her appreciation for Jones, acknowledging him as a wonderful teacher who created the soundtrack to many extraordinary moments in her life. This sentiment resonated with many who felt the personal and professional influence of Jones, underscoring his role as a mentor and guide for numerous artists across various genres.
In addition to his work in music, Jones was instrumental in launching the popular US sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” starring Will Smith. Smith shared his thoughts on Jones’s mentorship, describing him as the true definition of a mentor, father, and friend. He recounted how Jones nurtured his talents, encouraged him, and provided guidance during his career, allowing him to grow and thrive as an artist.
Smith said:
“Quincy Jones is 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.”
Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers also paid tribute to Jones, sharing a heartfelt video that proclaimed, “Rest In Power Quincy Jones. The Greatest of All Time.” This sentiment echoed throughout the music community, emphasizing the profound respect and admiration for Jones’s legacy and influence in the industry.
Peter Hook, the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, reminisced about his experiences with Jones, expressing sadness at his passing. Hook reflected on the kindness Jones showed him when he signed their band to his label, noting how welcomed they felt in his presence. He shared memories of Jones inviting them to dinner and highlighted the lasting impact of his humility and sweetness.
In his tribute, Hook emphasized the personal touch Jones maintained throughout his life, recalling how he continued to send him messages and birthday cards over the years. This enduring connection showcased Jones’s genuine nature, reinforcing the idea that he was not just a musical genius but also a deeply caring individual who made a lasting impression on those around him.
