Celebrities React to Quincy Jones’ Death at 91

Celebrities React to Quincy Jones’ Death at 91 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ As the world mourns music legend Quincy Jones, who passed away at 91, celebrities across industries share personal tributes, reflecting on his immense influence on their lives and careers. Notable figures including Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Dr. Dre, Will Smith, and more paid homage to Jones as a mentor, friend, and creative genius, acknowledging his contributions and compassionate spirit.

Quincy Jones Tributes: Quick Looks

• Oprah Winfrey: Honored Jones as her first true love, citing his life-changing support and kind spirit.
• Paul McCartney: Remembered Jones as a close friend and unparalleled music icon with boundless positivity.
• Dr. Dre: Credited Jones as his inspiration for pursuing a career in music production.
• Will Smith: Reflected on Jones’ role as a mentor and father figure who uplifted him.
• Lenny Kravitz: Expressed deep respect for Jones’ authenticity and impactful presence.
• Abel Tesfaye/The Weeknd: Praised Jones’ influence on his music and career.
• Ice-T: Mourned Jones’ loss, recalling their Grammy win and wisdom shared.
• Michael Caine: Paid tribute to his “celestial twin,” recalling Jones’ unique warmth.
• Morgan Freeman: Celebrated Jones’ legacy as a giant in the music industry.
• Wyclef Jean: Remembered Jones for inspiring his early dreams of becoming a composer.
• Colman Domingo: Recaptured a heartfelt memory of meeting Jones, the “King of American Music.”
• Wendell Pierce: Highlighted Jones’ soulful mark on American music culture.
• Lynn Nottage: Honored Jones’ lasting impact on 20th-century music.
• Lee Grant: Called Jones a gifted storyteller and more than just a musical genius.
• Harry Connick Jr.: Fondly remembered Jones as a hero and lifelong influence.
  

Deep Look

Quincy Jones, the visionary producer, musician, and cultural icon, passed away Sunday at the age of 91, leaving behind a monumental legacy in music, film, and entertainment. His impact reverberated across the globe as celebrities and friends took to social media to share their memories and heartfelt tributes to the man who transformed their lives with his talent, warmth, and boundless kindness.

Oprah Winfrey expressed her profound gratitude for Jones’ influence on her life, crediting him with the role that launched her acting career in The Color Purple in 1985. She described Jones as a beacon of love and joy, saying he always treated everyone he encountered as though they were the most important person in his world. Winfrey noted that Jones was the first person she loved unconditionally, a sentiment they shared in notes signed “Unconditionally…” throughout their relationship.

Paul McCartney, legendary musician and member of The Beatles, recounted the joy and privilege of knowing Jones over many years. Describing him as “supremely talented” and joyful, McCartney recalled Jones’ close friendship with The Beatles’ producer, George Martin. Known fondly as “Q” or “Quince,” Jones brought light and laughter to everyone around him, McCartney added. He praised Jones’ iconic collaboration with Michael Jackson and his many other contributions that reshaped popular music.

Dr. Dre also shared his admiration, revealing that it was Jones who inspired him to pursue a career in music production. Known for his innovative contributions to hip-hop, Dre honored Jones as his creative muse, saying Jones’ records were foundational to his early years as a producer. Dre reminisced about the invaluable advice and time Jones had shared with him, calling it instrumental to his personal and professional growth.

Will Smith, actor and musician, reflected on Jones’ role as a “mentor, father, and friend,” describing how Jones nurtured and encouraged him throughout his career. Jones uplifted Smith by showing him the greatest parts of himself and offering gentle corrections whenever needed. Smith credited Jones with empowering him to soar, calling him a unique guiding force.

Lenny Kravitz, musician and close friend, shared a moving message on X, remembering the “depth” and authenticity of Jones’ influence. Kravitz expressed how honored he felt to have been part of Jones’ circle, where he learned from Jones’ openness and generosity. He admitted he was still processing the loss of someone so vital to his personal journey.

Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), known for his musical innovation, paid tribute to Jones on X, noting that his fans understood the significant impact Jones had on his work. He reflected on the privilege of writing the foreword for Jones’ book, where he captured the admiration he held for Jones’ legacy and spirit.

Ice-T, rapper and actor, lamented the loss of a mentor and friend, referring to Jones as a “genius” in every sense. He shared a fond memory of winning his first Grammy with Jones and reflected on how Jones’ wisdom continued to guide him in his daily life. Ice-T emphasized that Jones had a lasting influence that few could rival, noting his sense of humor, brilliance, and joy.

Michael Caine, the British actor who shared a birthday with Jones, affectionately called him his “celestial twin” and recognized him as a titan in the music world. Caine’s tribute honored Jones’ legacy and expressed gratitude for the decades of friendship they shared, celebrating his unique and wonderful spirit.

Morgan Freeman, a longtime friend of Jones, praised his enduring legacy, calling him a “musical giant” whose genius reshaped the world. Freeman remarked on the lasting imprint Jones had left on the entertainment industry, expressing his sorrow at the loss of an irreplaceable legend.

Wyclef Jean, singer and producer, shared a personal story about how Jones inspired his own dreams of becoming a composer at just 16 years old. He remembered Jones as a true “musical king” whose achievements in music gave him motivation and direction in his career.

Colman Domingo, actor and playwright, recounted his first meeting with Jones, remembering how deeply moved he felt to be in the presence of a legend. He recalled Jones’ delight in hearing he was from Philadelphia, which sparked stories of the city’s music scene, and Domingo expressed awe for Jones’ role as an American music icon.

Wendell Pierce, actor, paid homage to Jones’ contributions to American culture, calling him a masterful musician who embodied soul and depth. He quoted Shakespeare in his tribute, “If music be the food of love, play on,” to capture the timelessness of Jones’ legacy.

Lynn Nottage, acclaimed playwright, remarked on Jones’ vast influence over 20th-century music, calling him a visionary whose impact would resonate for generations. Nottage described Jones as an artist who changed the soundscape of modern music and left an indelible mark on the industry.

Lee Grant, actress and filmmaker, spoke of Jones’ storytelling talents and his contributions to the arts beyond music. She described him as a “raconteur” and a true artist, whose presence brought grace and insight to every project he touched.

Harry Connick Jr., musician and actor, shared his admiration for Jones, calling him a hero and a profound influence on his own life. He noted that Jones had always been kind to him, showing him generosity and warmth that left a lasting impression.

Quincy Jones’ passing marks the end of an era, yet his influence lives on through the countless artists, friends, and fans he inspired. As these heartfelt tributes demonstrate, Jones was not only a musical genius but also a cherished mentor, friend, and visionary whose light touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

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