Quincy Jones, a luminous figure in pop and entertainment, passed away at the age of 91 in February 2019, as captured by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for NARAS. Upon the break of this somber news, an array of artists and celebrities flooded social media with heartfelt tributes to the legendary icon.
Michael Caine, whose iconic film 'The Italian Job' was soundtracked by Jones, hailed him as his "Celestial twin… a titan who reigned supreme in the musical universe." Flying Lotus deemed Quincy Jones the undisputed "king," asserting that he was "the absolute blueprint." Kelly Lee Owens reminisced about a producer who "prioritized soul above all else," while The Weeknd, Ice-T, Nile Rodgers, Pink Siifu, and numerous others echoed sentiments celebrating the extraordinary composer.
The Weeknd posted on X, expressing, "My fans are well-aware of how integral Quincy was to the fabric of my music. I had the privilege of penning a foreword for his book, attempting to encapsulate his immense significance in my life. Today, let us celebrate his incredible journey."
Ice-T, sharing his grief on X, stated, "I awoke to the devastating news that we had lost Quincy Jones. 'Genius' is a term loosely used, but Quincy deserved it in the purest sense. Bluntly put, Quincy was the MAN. He was instrumental in my first Grammy win, and his wisdom resonates with me daily. My heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, whom I had the honor of meeting. This loss has deeply impacted me. Rest in peace, KING."
LL Cool J, on Instagram, penned an emotional message: "You were a father and a beacon during a time when I desperately needed guidance and a role model. Mentor, role model, King. You opened doors, shared wisdom, and made music what it is today. My condolences to your entire family. I love you. May you rest eternally amidst the sweetest melodies."
Amaarae lamented, "I thought Quincy Jones would be immortal. This is an inconceivable loss. Rest in Peace to the greatest of all time!"
Terrence "Punch" Henderson, president of Top Dawg Entertainment, hailed Jones as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) and acknowledged his remarkable interview style, tweeting, "I aspire to be as candid as Quincy Jones was in some of his recent interviews. My friends were telling truths that no one even thought to ask. Quincy set the bar high for honesty."
Victoria Monét posted, "To one of my greatest inspirations, Quincy, I love you immensely! Your legacy will shine eternally. Heaven has undoubtedly been upgraded with your presence."
Colman Domingo, who starred in the Jones-produced remake of 'The Color Purple,' shared on social media, "When he asked where I was from, I replied Philly. His eyes twinkled as he reminisced about the Uptown Theater. Meeting Mr. American Music himself was surreal. I literally knelt because he was a King. Thank you, Mr. Quincy Jones, for giving us all that unforgettable sound."
Playwright Jeremy O. Harris penned, "What couldn't he do? Quincy Jones, born during a time when the dreams of a black boy were incredibly constrained, taught us that there are no limits. His contributions to American culture were boundless. He was the first black person nominated for an Oscar for Best Score and later, the first to be nominated twice in the same year. He produced the undeniably greatest albums of the 20th century, earned an EGOT, and was a father to incredibly talented offspring and a godfather to musicians worldwide. Rest in Peace, Quincy."
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted Jones in 2013, hailed him as "an individual who excelled in every role he embarked upon. As a producer, arranger, trumpeter, executive, and more, Jones amassed 28 Grammy Awards and collaborated on historic sessions with legends like Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson, alongside his groundbreaking work in film and television. Jones set the standard for innovation; accomplished and successful in every facet of the music industry, he paved the way for the modern music mogul."
