Famous musicians react to the death of Quincy Jones
Paul McCartney
“Dear Quincy Jones has passed and left those of us who knew him feeling sad. He was supremely talented, and I felt privileged to have known him for many years. He was friends with George Martin, the Beatles’ producer and, between the two of them, produced some very fine music.
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.
My main recollections of him were always the private moments that we shared, and I will never stop thanking Nancy for always arranging to visit him when we were in Los Angeles. These visits were fun and inspiring.
His long career stretches back to the early days when he was a trumpet player, then a band leader, then a producer of many great records. But it is as a friend I would like to remember him. We always had fun in his presence and his legend will continue through the years, but it is those private moments we were lucky enough to have with the great man that I will always remember fondly.
We send our love and sympathies to his family and all his many friends.”
Nile Rodgers
“Rest in Power”
Will Smith
“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.”
Michael Jackson
“The world mourns the loss and celebrates the life of Quincy Jones. Quincy was a legendary talent whose contributions to music spanned generations and genres. 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. Condolences to all of his children. Rest in Peace, Q. You will be missed.”
New Order
“Very sorry to hear about the passing of our old label boss and collaborator, Quincy Jones. We were on his label Qwest for many years, he did a great remix of Blue Monday in 1988. We send all our condolences and thoughts to his family, he was a true legend!”
ICE T
“I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a discription 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. My condolences go out to his family who I had the honor of meeting. This one Hit me. God bless you KING”.
Prince
“Rest In Peace, Quincy Jones. A towering force in music, Quincy redefined what was possible in sound, and his influence has touched every corner of the industry. Though Prince and Quincy came from different worlds and styles, they shared a relentless drive to break boundaries and reach new creative heights.
Following Prince’s passing in 2016, Quincy expressed great admiration for his artistry, describing him as “a true, real giant.”
The Prince Estate sends our condolences to Quincy’s family and all who are deeply affected by this loss. ”
Tom Jones
“Well played Quincy, you will be missed. With respect and admiration, Sir Tom Jones.”