*Will Smith shared a heartfelt tribute to late music producer Quincy Jones in a series of social media posts on Monday.
As we reported earlier, Jones’ family confirmed that he died at his Bel Air home on Sunday (Nov. 3), per a report from the Associated Press. He was 81.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” a statement from the family reads. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Smith reflected on his relationship with Jones in a post Monday (November 4) on X.
“Quincy Jones is the definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend. He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself,” Smith captioned a photo of him and Jones on the set of the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which aired from 1990 to 1996. “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.”
Quincy Jones is the 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. pic.twitter.com/6Wlx12Mbch
— Will Smith (@WillSmith2real) November 4, 2024
John Legend was also among the celebrities who took to social media to mourn Jones and celebrate his career.
“The first time I ever spoke to Q, he was gently reprimanding me because one of my team members wasn’t representing me well during my first year in the public eye. What a way to meet one of your heroes,” Legend wrote in his tribute post. “Well after that, we became good friends: we collaborated, we celebrated together all over the world, from Como to Montreux, California to New York. He always called me his little brother because I look like his younger brother Richard. He gave me great advice and always had the best stories. And Lord did he have stories.”
He added, “This man has lived one of the most consequential lives in the history of humanity,” he continued. “He was behind some of the most important music and culture we will ever know. And beyond all his accomplishments, anyone who knows Q will talk about the JOY he brought to every room. He was the life of the party, so charming and full of light.”
Legend continued, “I feel so fortunate to have witnessed it in person. But we’re all so fortunate to live in a world made more beautiful by the music he created. It will be eternally in our hearts.”
View this post on Instagram
Rapper/actor Ice Ice-T wrote in an X post, “I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a discription [sic] 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. My condolences go out to his family who I had the honor of meeting. This one Hit me. God bless you KING.”
LL Cool J shared a photo of Jones on IG with the caption, “You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example. Mentor. Role model. King. You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you. My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally.”
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Music Icon Quincy Jones Passes Away at 91
