Quincy Jones has passed at 91.
The legendary producer worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson (he produced Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ album) as well as artists Paul Simon, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Lesley Gore, and more.
During his career, the prolific producer won 30 Grammys, numerous Oscar nominations and was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
LL Cool J described Jones as a “father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example,” as well as a “mentor,” “role model” and “king.”
“I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a description 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,” Ice-T on X.
Dr. Dre gave Jones all the credit: writing
… the “reason why I decided to become a record producer” and said the “advice he gave me, the conversations we had have helped me in my life and career.”
Oprah Winfrey — who Jones ‘discovered’ her for her role in ‘The Color Purple’ — wrote movingly:
“I had never experienced, nor have since, anyone who’s heart was so filled with love,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.”
And in a sweet post on Instagram, Will Smith called Jones “the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend.” (Jones was executive producer and composer on the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ which broke Smith.)
“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,” Smith continued. “He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.”