When she learned of the sudden death of her dear friend Quincy Jones, who died on November 3 at the age of 91, Caroline Barclay immediately remembered their last dinner alone. In the spring of 2023, the ex-wife of Eddie Barclay found the legendary composer with the “childish smile” at his property in Bel-Air, Los Angeles. For Paris Match, she shares intimate anecdotes with the man behind the most cult recordings of the great artists of the 20th century, ranging from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra, via Ray Charles.
Paris Match. Do you remember meeting Quincy Jones?
Caroline Barclay. It was in 1986, with Eddie [Barclay]. Quincy came to the house in Saint-Tropez every summer. He had a great love for Eddie's lifestyle, the lifestyle French style. He stayed with us for a week… Sometimes, a month. He wouldn't deny himself anything – once he even gained 10 kilos in a month.
When you learn of his death, what memory comes to mind?
Our last moment together. In 2023, I spent three days at his home at his incredible property in Los Angeles. He had just turned 90, he was weak but his beautiful smile and his magnificent voice had not left him. He was always a night owl, only going to bed at six in the morning. That time, we had dinner alone, we listened to music… There was always music at his house, from morning to evening.
Quincy Jones and Caroline Barclay have dinner in Los Angeles, in 2023. It will be their last meeting before the musician's death.
© DR
So what does a legendary musician listen to at home?
His own compositions [rires]. There are so many. I think he enjoyed listening to them because each recording reminded him of beautiful memories with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson… He was not nostalgic but loved talking about them. He had tried everything and succeeded in everything. Well, except maybe his love life…
Did he live up to his reputation as a great seducer?
Totally! He was a ladies' man and he laughed about it. It was a running gag between us. When I saw him, I said to him: “So, who is your fiancée at the moment?” » And he answered me: “Well, I have twelve”. But we can't blame him, he was so kind, he left no one indifferent. He had a sixth sense for human relationships. He had an understanding of music, politics… life, that is.
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Was he politically involved?
He was extremely cultured and many causes were close to his heart. Besides, I was with him in Los Angeles when Donald Trump was elected in 2017. Quincy was really angry, he didn't understand that Trump could pass.
In France, Quincy Jones received the Legion of Honor from Jacques Chirac in 2001. You were present.
We had dinner that evening with Jacques Chirac and Gregory Peck. Quincy was particularly happy with his French decoration, he wore it often. He spoke the language quite well and loved coming back, especially for the Montreux Jazz Festival which he co-produced.
Eddie Barclay, Quincy Jones, Caroline Barclay and Carlos in Saint-Tropez in 1993.
DANIEL ANGELI / BESTIMAGE / © DANIEL ANGELI / BESTIMAGE
Did one of his projects come up on the table more often than the others?
“The Color Purple” [film de Steven Spielberg, 1986] was something very significant for him. It was the first time that he was entirely entrusted with the music for a film. And then, this recording session for “We Are The World”. He talked about it often because it was historic. His impact on music is enormous. Huge.
“Time Magazine” lists him as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
There isn't an artist who doesn't consider Quincy Jones one of the greatest in music history. All the people who met him thanks to me thank me. Whether you knew him for an evening, a dinner or more, he marks you for life.
France
