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Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg and more pay tribute to Quincy Jones

Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg and more pay tribute to Quincy Jones

6 minutes, 11 seconds Read

Quincy Jones is considered a “titan of the music world,” a “role model,” and a man whose legacy will “live on forever and ever.”

The legendary musician – whose storied career included collaborations with other titans like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson, a number of groundbreaking solo compositions and decades of musical stardom – died on Sunday, November 3, at his home in Los Angeles, Jones' The Publicist said Arnold Robinson confirmed to PEOPLE.

“Tonight it is with full but broken hearts that we share the news of the passing of our father and brother Quincy Jones,” the family said in a statement. “And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he led and know there will never be another like him.”

“He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him very much. “We take comfort and are very proud that the love and joy that was the essence of his being was shared with the world through everything he created,” they said in a statement. “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

Since news of Jones' death, co-workers, friends and admirers alike have been paying tribute to the popular music star on social media.

Quincy Jones.
Mat Hayward/Getty

Among them, Harry Connick Jr. remembered Jones on Instagram as his “hero” and “one of the greatest minds the music world has ever known.”

“He was so kind to me, so wonderful, such an influence. His legacy and music will live on forever. Thanks for everything Q,” Connick Jr. wrote on Monday, November 4th. “You were the guy. I love you and will always miss you.

Whoopi Goldberg, whose groundbreaking role in The color purple paired with a score by the music icon, wrote on her Instagram Story that Jones was a “dear friend” of hers who had bonded with her in the years since the 1985 film.

“I was lucky to have him in my life all these years,” Goldberg wrote. “My heart breaks for his friends and extended family who loved and adored him…my condolences.”

Whoopi Goldberg remembers Quincy Jones.

Whoopi Goldberg/Instagram


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Several of Jones' admirers also explained how their lives were connected in one way or another. Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Instagram that the legendary musician once bought her childhood home when her family moved.

“The idea of ​​his children running and playing in the same beautiful, rustic setting with eucalyptus trees makes me so happy,” Curtis wrote. “His musical legacy will be written about for the rest of time, but the veracity of time and place and family DNA is very personal and known to few. His children who played and grew up there, as well as his family and friends.” , my hand in yours.

Other music giants have also toasted Jones on social media, including Elton John, who wrote in a touching tribute on Instagram alongside a photo with the late music legend that “no one had as incredible a career as Quincy Jones.”

“He played with the best and brought out the best. What a guy,” he added. “Loved him.”

The filmmaker and John's husband David Furnish also remembered the producer by sharing a photo together on Instagram and writing next to it that Jones was the “most elegant and exceptionally talented man.”

Frank Ocean honored Jones by posting a screenshot of himself listening to the artist's track “Jazz Corner Of The World” alongside a red heart emoji on his Instagram Stories.

LL Cool J called Jones a “mentor,” “role model,” and “king” and remembered Jones in a touching Instagram tribute of his own The guy Musician as a “father and role model at a time when I really needed a father and role model.”

“You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom,” the rapper wrote. “Without you, music wouldn’t be music. My condolences go out to the entire family. I love you. Rest forever in the sweetest music.”

Michael Jackson (left) and Quincy Jones at the 1984 Grammys.

Chris Walter/WireImage


Some admirers even reflected on some of Jones' most notable works, including Colman Domingo, who referenced Michael Jackson's works on Instagram Away from the wall album, Jones orchestral works and his 1989 hit “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite).” Domingo also remembered the moment the two met for the first time.

“… Without this great man, as you know, there would be no American music,” the actor wrote. “Let us thank Mr. Quincy Jones for walking through our lives.”

“When I met him once, he asked, ‘Where are you from? Philly,” I said. His eyes danced around and he talked about the Uptown Theater. I could see music in his eyes,” he added. “He lived. What a life and legacy.”

Others who knew Jones remembered him fondly on social media. Oscar winner Michael Caine called the musician his “heavenly twin” on “He was a wonderful and unique person, I was lucky to have known him,” Caine wrote.

Al Roker, who previously interviewed Jones and reflected on the experience, wrote on Instagram that “no other composer/producer has had a greater impact on almost every genre of music.”

“When I interviewed him, he told me, 'All music is made up of the same 12 notes,” he shared. “We have been using them for more than 700 years. Nobody arranged these notes like Quincy Jones.”

Quincy Jones in 1970.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty


Tyler Perry, who previously named a stage at his Atlanta studio after the legendary composer, wrote on Instagram that he was “honored to have known Jones.”

“I have a heart that beats but is broken. I have a mind full of beautiful memories drowning in sadness. I'm a writer struggling to find the words. I know death is a part of life, but I see so many.” “That one of the people who inspired me – who made me smile, laugh, dream and hope – has left this planet is what brings me down really in a difficult position,” Perry wrote.

“It was a great honor to have known you, Q, and to dedicate a stage to you. Not only did you bring music and light, but you also shared so much of your wisdom with me. I will miss you, my friend.” . Send prayers to your entire family.

Other tributes came from all sides of the entertainment industry, from people like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Darius Rucker, Susan Kelechi Watson, Hayden Panettiere, Kevin McHale and David Guetta, who remembered Jones from the perspective of a fellow producer. Guetta wrote on thriller.

“I had the honor of meeting Quincy, especially at the Grammys, where we even had the opportunity to speak French, a language he spoke so beautifully,” Guetta wrote. “These moments will remain in my memory forever. Thank you, Quincy, for everything you have given us. Your legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists.”

Some of music's newest stars also gave Jones flowers, including Chloe Bailey and Victoria Monét, with the latter calling the music icon “one of my biggest inspirations.”

“Quincy, I love you so much,” Monét wrote on X. “Your legacy will live on forever and ever 😢 Heaven definitely got an upgrade with you.”

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