NEW YORK — Ice-T, Michael Caine and Lynn Nottage paid tribute to music titan Quincy Jones following his death on Sunday.
Jones died in his Los Angeles home at the age of 91. His historic career ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s record-setting “Thriller” to prize-winning film and television scores and collaborations with Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.
Paul McCartney
“He was supremely talented, and I felt privileged to have known him for many years. He was friends with George Martin, the Beatles’ producer and, between the two of them, produced some very fine music. Quincy or ‘Quince’ or ‘Q’, as he was known, always had a twinkle in his eye and had a very positive, loving spirit which infected everyone who knew him. His work with Michael Jackson is, of course, legendary and he had so many other strings to his musical bow,” Paul McCartney on Instagram.
Will Smith
“Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend. He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. 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 on Instagram.
Ice-T:
“I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a description loosely used but Rarely deserved. Point blank, Quincy was the MAN. I won my 1st Grammy with Quincy and I live with his Wisdom daily,” Ice-T on X.
Michael Caine:
“My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world. He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him,” Michael Caine on X (Both Caine and Jones were born March 14, 1933).
Morgan Freeman
“Today, we say goodbye to the legendary Quincy Jones—a musical giant whose genius reshaped our world and left an enduring legacy. Rest well, Quincy. #legend,” Morgan Freeman on X.
Colman Domingo
“He asked, where are you from? Philly I replied, his eyes twinkled and he talked about the Uptown Theater. I was so thrilled to meet Mr. American Music himself. I literally kneeled because he was a King. Thank you Mr. Quincy Jones for giving us all the sound,” Colman Domingo on X.
Wyclef Jean
“R.I.P to my mentor #QuincyJones, you’re the reason I became a composer at 16… Long live the musical king,” Wyclef Jean on X
Wendell Pierce
“A masterful musician, composer, and orchestrator, who left his mark on the American musical culture. A man of soulfulness and swing. 'If music be the food of love , play on,'” Wendell Pierce on X.
Lee Grant
“Quincy Jones was so much more than just a musical genius. He was a raconteur, film artist, and a good man. We were very lucky to have had him,” Lee Grant on X.
Lynn Nottage
“We’ve lost a pure unadulterated genius. 20th century music carries his imprint,” playwright Lynn Nottage on X.
Harry Connick Jr.
“My hero. truly 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 his music will live forever. thank you for everything, Q. you were the dude,” Harry Connick Jr. on Instagram.