At the Grammy Awards on Sunday night, a remarkable tribute was paid to the late music legend Quincy Jones, honoring his immense contributions to the music industry. The event took place at the Crypto.com Arena, where musical artists showcased a medley of some of Jones’ most iconic works, celebrating the life of a man who profoundly influenced numerous artists and genres throughout his extensive career.
Will Smith kicked off the tribute, referring to Jones as “Q” and calling him “one of the most influential and groundbreaking figures of our times.” He expressed his personal gratitude, stating that Quincy changed his life “forever,” emphasizing, “You probably wouldn’t even know who Will Smith was if it wasn’t for Quincy Jones.” Further highlighting Jones’ legacy, Smith mentioned how he helped some of the greatest musicians, including Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Aretha Franklin, and Frank Sinatra, with whom he formed a notable musical partnership that elevated both of their careers to new heights.
The musical tribute commenced with jazz, featuring Cynthia Erivo delivering a heartfelt, stripped-down rendition of Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” Accompanied solely by the talented Herbie Hancock on piano, the performance captivated the audience before escalating into an energetic orchestration supported by a brass band. Following Erivo’s powerful performance, Lainey Wilson joined the stage, offering a vibrant rendition of “Let the Good Times Roll,” assisted by Jacob Collier on piano.
The evening continued with the legendary Stevie Wonder taking the stage alongside Hancock, bringing his harmonica skills to the forefront during an enchanting version of “Bluesette.” Wonder, further stirring the crowd, introduced the famous anthem “We Are the World,” which was produced by Jones and aimed to raise funds for Africa. “Quincy was always there to help,” Wonder noted, reflecting on Jones’ commitment to philanthropy, particularly when the song fed millions in Ethiopia. He pointed to a display of photos showcasing the many stars involved in the production, including Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, and Bruce Springsteen, recalling how Jones insisted that they keep their egos at the door.
As the audience, including stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, rose to their feet and sang along, it became clear that Wonder’s performance was both a heartfelt tribute and a lively celebration of Quincy’s life. The event symbolized not just an honor to Jones but also a collective effort to raise money for wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles, showcasing the profound impact of music beyond entertainment.
Will Smith made his return to the stage, describing Jones as his “mentor, friend, father figure,” and shared a touching anecdote from the early days of his time on the set of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which Jones executive produced. He recounted how Jones observed the inadequate food offerings on set and advised him, “It is your job to take care of these people.” Smith expressed his commitment to living by this principle throughout his career, highlighting the moral legacy left by Quincy Jones.
The tribute culminated with Janelle Monaé delivering an exhilarating performance of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” complete with her impeccable moonwalk and a dazzling homage to Jackson’s iconic style, as she unveiled a shirt proclaiming “I [Heart] QJ.”
Quincy Jones was no stranger to the Grammy Awards, having received the Legend Award in 1991 alongside an impressive 28 Grammy wins out of 80 nominations. Additionally, he earned the Motion Picture Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995 and an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November. With the Grammys hosted by Trevor Noah, this year’s event resonated with emotion and reverence, ensuring that Jones’ legacy would continue to inspire future generations of musicians.