Tributes for the late Quincy Jones, who passed away Sunday night at the age of 91 in L.A., are pouring in today after the news broke about his death.
Jones was a legendary producer and music mastermind, who produced record hits like “Thriller” for Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra’s 1964 version of “Fly Me To The Moon.”
Jazz critic and music historian Ted Gioia was among the first in the music industry to share his reflection on Jones.
“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,” Gioia posted on X. “What a remarkable career!”
Actor Michael Caine, who shared birthdays and birthyears with Jones, also posted on X.
“My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world,” Caine’s post said. “He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.”
Actor and director LeVar Button posted “Quincy Jones” with a purple heart and praying emoji.
Musician, songwriter and Chic band co-founder Nile Rodgers posted “Rest in Power,” and a photo of Jones.
Legendary singer, songwriter and producer Lionel Richie shared a photo of himself with Jones on X. The pair worked together on multiple projects including the superstar charity recording “We Are the World” for famine relief efforts in Ethiopia.
Actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph paid tribute to Jones through a series of messages on X accompanied by clips of commemorating significant moments in his career.
“Rest in Peace and Perfect Pitch Quincy Jones! What a life well lived,” the Abbott Elementary star wrote alongside a clip of Jones at an award show.
Rapper and actor LL Cool J called Jones a mentor, a role model and a king in an Instagram post accompanied by Jones’ song ”Ai No Corrida.”
“You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example,” he wrote. “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.”
Actor, playwright and director Colman Domingo reminisced about meeting Jones in a post on X.
“He asked, where are you from? Philly I replied, his eyes twinkled and he talked about the Uptown Theater,” he wrote. “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.”
DJ David Guetta also shared a memory from when he met Jones at the Grammys.
“It’s hard to find the words to express the impact [Jones] has had on me, as well as on music and culture as a whole. Quincy wasn’t just a legend, he was an inspiration, a trailblazer, and a true genius. He produced my favorite album of all time, “Thriller” by [Michael Jackson,] an album that set the standard for what music could be, blending genres and pushing boundaries,” the producer wrote.
Rapper and actor ICE T offered his condolences to Jones’ family in a post on X. “Genius is a description loosely used but Rarely deserved,” he wrote. “Point blank, Quincy was the MAN. I won my 1st Grammy with Quincy and I live with his Wisdom daily.”
Darius Rucker, the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish, wrote “We have lost one of the all time greats. The world will miss Quincy Jones,” in a post on X.
Playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris recounted some Jones’ most notable accomplishments in his tribute post on X.
“First Black person nominated for an Oscar for best score. First Black person nominated later twice in the same year. The producer of inarguably the biggest albums of the 20th century. An EGOT,” Harris wrote. “Quincy Jones, literally born when the limits on how big a Black boy could dream were unfathomably high, taught us that the limit does not exist.”
Canadian singer and songwriter The Weeknd posted a photo of himself with Jones, thanking him for everything.
Actor and singer Kevin McHale called Jones the “best to have ever done it” in a post on X.
“Our lives would be worse off if Quincy Jones hadn’t existed,” the former Glee star wrote. “Thank you Quincy for making this world a happier, richer place.”
Singer and songwriter Victoria Monét called Jones one of her biggest inspirations and said his legacy will live on forever.
With files from the Associated Press
