Elton John, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake and more remember music legend Quincy Jones

Jones died on Sunday at 91.

November 4, 2024, 7:15 PM

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.

PHOTO: 27th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party Sponsored By IMDb And Neuro Drinks Celebrating EJAF And The 91st Academy Awards - Inside
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.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images

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.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

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.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images

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."

Mariah Carey

Carey took to Instagram to share a tribute to Jones on Monday.

"A legend, a titan, a mentor. You’ve given the world, and me, so many life defining moments that will be forever cherished. Rest in Power, sir Quincy Jones," wrote Carey along with a photo of Jones and herself.

Justin Timberlake

Timberlake posted a photo with Jones heralding the producer's career and abilities on Monday.

"Once in a lifetime artist. His list of accolades goes on and on. The example of excellence at craft. A mentor to so many that have followed," wrote Timberlake, adding that Jones' work inspired his own career goals.

Dr. Dre

Legendary record producer himself, Dr. Dre posted on social media writing that Jones was why he became a producer.

Dr. Dre also expressed gratitude for Jones for giving advice throughout his career. "All of the time that I spent hanging out with him was priceless and I love how open he was- the advice he gave me, the conversations we had have helped me in my life and career," wrote Dr. Dre.

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