The world of Music and entertainment is paying tribute to prolific record producer and legendary fixture in the music industry: Quincy Jones.
Tributes from some of the biggest names in entertainment including Lionel Richie, Whoopi Goldberg and Elton John poured in after Jones died on Sunday.
The hitmaker producer of multi-platinum albums, including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the best-selling album of all time, died at 91.
Elton John
John took to Instagram on Monday to post a photo of himself under Jones’ arm, taken at an Oscar viewing party.
“Nobody had a career as incredible as Quincy Jones. He played with the best and he produced the best. What a guy. Loved him,” wrote John.
Elton John and Quincy Jones attend the 27th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party sponsored by IMDb and Neuro Drinks celebrating EJAF and the 91st Academy Awards on February 24, 2019 in West Hollywood, California.
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Whoopi Goldberg
Goldberg posted a photo of her and Jones to her Instagram story, calling him a “friend” and “one of a kind.”
“My heart is breaking for his family & his extended family who loved and adored him..my condolences,” she wrote.
Quincy Jones and Whoopi Goldberg attend the “Keep On Keepin’ On” Premiere after party during the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival at 121 Fulton Street on April 19, 2014 in New York City.
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Lionel Richie
Richie also remembered Jones in an Instagram post showing the pair posing together as Richie leaned on Jones’ shoulder.
“Wow, Q – what a great ride!! ❤️???????? – with love always,” wrote Richie.
Lionel Richie and producer Quincy Jones at the “We Are The World 25 Years for Haiti” recording session held at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California.
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Will Smith
Smith shared his admiration for Jones on social media following the news of his death. Jones executive produced Smith’s “Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”
“Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend. He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself,” wrote Smith.
Smith continued, “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.”
Will Smith and producer Quincy Jones sighted on location during the filming of an episode of the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ at KTLA Studios, Hollywood, California, October 20, 1990.
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Colman Domingo
Domingo penned a heartfelt tribute to Jones, thanking him for his contributions to music.
“I just hope we all play his music from his orchestrations to soundtracks to Off the Wall to Secret Garden to Frank Sinatra et al today and send this genius King off,” wrote Domingo.
“There would be no American Music without this great man as you know. Let’s thank Mr. Quincy Jones for passing through our lives,” he continued.
Domingo finished by describing meeting Jones, writing, “I could see music in his eyes. He lived. What a life and legacy.”
