Tributes from industry luminaries and executives are pouring in for legendary producer, arranger and composer Quincy Jones, who died Sunday (Nov. 3) at the age of 91. A jazz sideman who evolved into a bandleader, label executive, film composer, movie producer, magazine publisher and, of course, pop music savant as studio maestro to Michael Jackson, Jones’ artistic wingspan during his seven-decade career — his picture should be in the dictionary under “multi-hyphenate” — is rightly being lauded from every nook of the entertainment world.
“Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity,” his family said following his passing.
Here is a list of reactions, which we’ll update as they come in:
Clive Davis (founder, Arista Records; chief creative officer, Sony Music): “Quincy Jones was a true giant of music. Whether it was jazz, pop, r&b or rock, no genre of music escaped his genius. Among the greats he collaborated with were Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Count Basie, Ray Charles and Lesley Gore. Say ‘We Are The World’ and say ‘The Color Purple’ and you’ll understand the range of his music. He was the ultimate music renaissance man and a true inspiration to all of us in music.”
The Estate of Michael Jackson: “It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of and celebrate the life and talent of the great Quincy Jones. Michael Jackson had tremendous admiration for Quincy’s spirit and vision. Together they produced Michael’s three massive worldwide hit albums, enduring masterpieces of contemporary music: Off the Wall, Bad and Thriller, the mass cultural and media phenomenon that remains the biggest selling album of all time. Another collaboration, ‘We Are the World’ written by Michael and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy, became one of the biggest selling singles ever and raised funds for the 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia. Quincy changed the course of popular music numerous times during his illustrious career, widening its horizons and bringing his take on jazz, R&B and pop to the mainstream. We celebrate his spirit and honor his tremendous contribution to our understanding and appreciation of music.”
Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall (CEO and COO, Warner Chappell Music): “We join billions of music fans around the world, as we mourn the loss of the great Quincy Jones, and celebrate his immeasurable contributions to culture. Words like titan, genius, GOAT, will be used today and he deserves it all. Quincy was a producer, artist, composer, and activist, but above all, he was a songwriter. He leaves behind an extraordinarily powerful, diverse body of work that will light the way for future generations. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Harvey Mason, Jr. (CEO, The Recording Academy): “So heartbroken, we all lost a legend today. One of the most important and impactful lives ever lived. Like everyone in our music community, I learned so much from him, he was a mentor. His passion for music and music people will continue to influence me in every way. Thank you, Q! I love you.”
Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (founders, Philadelphia International Records and the Philly soul sound): “We are very saddened by the loss of our dear friend Quincy Jones. Quincy was an example for all of us who came behind him in the music business. While Quincy always admired the success of the PIR record label, we more than respected him and his multi-faceted success as a producer, songwriter, musician and overall entertainment industry business mastermind and genius. Leon Huff had the opportunity to work with Quincy early in his career in several recording sessions as a piano player at 19 years old and considered Quincy Jones to be his ultimate mentor and very close friend. We are all feeling the loss of this legend in our lives. We send our sincere condolences to Quincy’s dear family.”
Stephen Parker (executive director, National Independent Venue Assoc.): “Quincy Jones was among live music’s greatest champions. Over seven decades, he delivered vibrant performances worldwide, starting with the Quincy Jones Big Band captivating crowds at independent stages like Newport Jazz Festival. He nurtured up-and-coming artists by jump-starting their careers in independent venues and festivals. In 2020, during one of the industry’s greatest crises, Quincy was among the first to step up and help NIVA pass the Save Our Stages Act. He became one of the inaugural members of our advisory board when it formed in 2021. We are forever grateful for his unwavering support of independent stages and for lending his voice to help them survive and thrive. His legacy will continue to resonate wherever live music is celebrated.”
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (he was inducted in 2013): “Quincy Jones excelled at every role he took on. Producer, arranger, trumpeter, executive, and more, Jones won 28 Grammy Awards and guided historic sessions with such giants as Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson in addition to his groundbreaking work in film and television. Jones established the standard for innovation; accomplished and successful in every facet of the music industry, he set the model for the modern music mogul.”
Michael Huppe (president and CEO, SoundExchange): “Huge loss yesterday to the music world. A seminal force. From Michael Jackson to Count Basie to Frank Sinatra.”
Mathieu Jaton (CEO, Montreux Jazz Festival): “The spirit of Quincy Jones will forever resonate in Montreux Jazz Festival’s history. He and founder Claude Nobs shared a deep friendship and a vision of music that transcended boundaries of style, culture, and generation. As co-producer in the 1990s, Jones helped elevate the Festival to new heights. His Grammy-winning live album with Miles Davis stands as a hallmark of his legacy, but his impact reaches far beyond that. For over thirty years, Montreux was his summer home, where he produced unforgettable concerts and championed young talents like Jacob Collier and Alfredo Rodriguez.”
Nile Rodgers (guitarist, producer and co-founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund): “Rest in power”
David Linton (chairman, Living Legends Foundation): “Today the world lost a musical force in Quincy Jones who cannot be defined by genre or category because he successfully created music for them all. As a humanitarian he gave to so many causes in fact when the Living Legends Foundation was formed he allowed us to honor him because he believed in our original mission of service, and preserving the legacy of black music professionals which has now been expanded to include scholarship. Personally, one of the highlights of my career was working his ground breaking “Back On The Block” project and other artists on his Qwest label. We join the world not in mourning but celebrating the life of Quincy Jones the man affectionately known as “Q.”
Danyel Smith (former editor of VIBE, which Jones co-founded): “In addition to being one of the best producers in the history of American music, [Quincy Jones] is the founder of VIBE magazine. [He] launched VIBE because it was the change he wanted to see. He wanted glorious and rigorous storytelling. He wanted depth of design and imagery. He wanted hip hop and the history of American Blackness that informed it to receive the credit it is due. Always surrounded by genius teams, and predecessors, and successors, I was music editor, cover story warrior, and the first Black person and first woman to serve as VIBE’s editor-in-chief — so I am blessed to have known Quincy Jones. As an artist yes, but also as a negotiator, a conversationalist, a charmer. Quincy Jones is a person I often reported to, a person who encouraged me (without sentiment). He was a networker, a knower of his worth, and a valiant enforcer of the true value of Black music and culture. I’m lost this morning. And at a loss. Rest in everlasting peace, Quincy Jones — from me and your grateful VIBE family.” (Smith’s full post on X can be found here.)
NAACP: “#RestInPower to legendary music producer Quincy Jones. His incredible talent and vision transformed music and culture. Quincy’s legacy of creativity and inspiration will leave an impact for generations to come. Sending our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.”
Tuma Basa (director of Black music and culture, YouTube): “Truly the greatest of all time for real! Much respect”
Phylicia Fant (head of music industry and culture collaborations, Amazon Music): “A multi-generational savant. He opened his home, heart, imparted wisdom and brought humor to me that day. Thank you for your gifts.”
Tim Hinshaw (founder and CEO, Free Lunch): “THE GODFATHER. First thing Quincy said to me when we met was ‘Adam told me you’re from Compton.’ I hit em with the “WESTSIDE THO.” He said ‘between Dre and that Kendrick Lamar kid, maannn it’s some bad ass niggas that come out of Compton.’ I said ‘yeah, and I’m one of em.’ He said ‘I know, cause you made it in here with ME.’ His wisdom, influence, wit and humor will truly be missed by us all. A National Treasure.”
Sierra Lever (head of hip-hop/R&B, Amazon Music): “A true renaissance man … we love you, you are an inspiration, and you will be missed… What I loved about the stories he shared, it would be on some real life topics and then he’d drop some humor in there for surprise. A great spirit lives on forever.”
Louis Bell (producer): “You are the reason I wanted to be a music producer. You changed the world and your legacy will live on forever.”
TIDAL (the streaming service): “Rest in peace to Quincy Jones, who, as a producer, film scorer and solo artist, quite simply did it all. He has been sampled by Mobb Deep and the Pharcyde; composed the music for ‘The Color Purple’; and produced both “We Are the World” and Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the latter being the best-selling album of all time.”
The Academy:
Arthur Baker (music supervisor on Quincy Jones documentary Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones): “It was such a pure honor to be welcomed and to be made to feel right around home immediately by Qs and his crew and been able to witnessed [sic] so many incredible musical and cultural events during my yearlong dive into the world of Quincy Jones. And I was able to score this documentary using the man’s own music! Of course he was kind and helped me every step of the way. He was truly an incredible dude.
I know how greatly he will be missed by his family, his legendary legions of friends and his fans. May he RIP eternally as his music most definitely will.”
Larry Jackson (founder, gamma): “A peerless legend who lived an enviably full life. A friend and a mentor who supercharged my ambition to take it all the way. Believed in me when I didn’t quite believe in my ability to the fullest. He had such a special way to inspire me. Quincy had the BEST stories and insights, and was ALWAYS (!!) the last person to leave my house at 4am after one of our legendary parties. I would oftentimes offer him a blanket or a bedroom to stay the night. He had a lust for life like no other. And any room that he entered, he always made it so much better. Going to miss you, brother. ❤️✨🙏🏾”
The Apollo: “Mr. Jones’s contributions to music are unparalleled. His innovative work as a producer, arranger, and composer shaped the sound of generations and left an indelible mark on American culture. His legacy extends far beyond his musical achievements, encompassing his tireless advocacy for education, social justice, and the arts. Mr. Jones’s association with The Apollo was a source of deep pride for our institution. His wisdom, passion, and unwavering support were instrumental in guiding The Apollo’s mission and ensuring its continued success. His presence was always a source of inspiration, and his commitment to The Apollo’s legacy was unwavering. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Jones’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. His loss will be deeply felt by the entire Apollo family and by music lovers around the world. His spirit and his extraordinary contributions to music and culture will forever be remembered within the hallowed halls of The Apollo.”
Ryan Press (president of North America at Warner Chappell Music):