Quincy Jones Honored ‘Q85’
Hollywood came out to honor Quincy Jones in celebration of his 85th birthday during the broadcasted special Q85: A Musical Celebration For Quincy Jones.
Oprah Winfrey opened the program with Quincy standing and smiling in the audience. “This is a musical celebration for our beloved Quincy Jones.” A video gave a quick synopsis of the life of Quincy and his illustrious career. A career that includes 27 Grammy’s, an Emmy, an Oscar,
Oprah told the story of Quincy at the age of 14 who met 16-year-old Ray Charles and the rest is history. Steve Wonder was also a friend and he took the stage to performed Let the Good Times Roll. Ludacris was the next presenter. He introduced Brian McKnight who sang Fly Me Too the Moon.
Ludacris also introduced Jennifer Hudson who sang Believe in Yourself, but not before she said, “We love you Quincy.”
LL Cool J came out and said to Q, “I love you.” He saluted Quincy and introduced John Legend who performed One Hundred Ways. John ended with, “I love you Quincy.” LL Cool J then introduced Patti Austin, Quincy is her godfather, she performed Baby Come to Me. She even sang James Ingram’s lyrics in the song imitating James’ voice. LL also introduced the performance of I Can’t Help It performed by Stevie Wonder.
Next was Ne-Yo, he broke his foot two days ago but was on the stage in a cast because he said he wouldn’t miss this celebration of Quincy for the world. Ne-Yo sang I Want to Rock With You.
Usher took the stage and said Quincy “Was and will always be the dude.” A video told of several musical relationships Quincy formed throughout his multi-decade career and the incredible relationship he forged Michael Jackson.
• Meghan Trainor sang You Don’t Own Me
• Fantasia sang Misty
Danny Glover celebrated Quincy’s genius as a storyteller. One of his stories on justice and race in America was In The Heat of The Night. Uncle Charlie Wilson performed the song. The Color Purple was another of Quincy’s masterpieces. Cynthia Erivo sang Ms. Celie’s Blues. They also remembered another Quincy triumph and that was Roots. Yolanda Adams sang songs from Roots including Hush, Hush Somebody’s Calling My Name. Quincy stood in the audience, put his hand over his heart and motioned to Yolanda that he was pleased.
Oprah spoke to Quincy in the audience as they stood arm in arm and called him a loving citizen of the world. He brought the world together with We Are the World, one of the best-selling singles of all time. Gregory Porter continued the ‘Q85’ tribute with his performance of Everything Must Change and he was joined by
Dave Chappelle helped honor Quincy’s role in jazz music and said that Quincy is, “A man that’s peerless in show business” and marveled at his age. Chappelle told Quincy, “You are Black in America and you are 85.” He explained that some people don’t realize how hard it is for a Black man to reach the age of 85. After Chappelle’s revelations the jazz band of all stars performed. When they were done, Dave said to Quincy sitting in the audience with Oprah, “Mr. Jones, Mr. Jones, Mr. Jones, I love you.”
Gloria Estefan came out performing Coming Out of the Dark, her daughter Emily Estefan joined her. Quincy is also her godfather. They went into the audience and sang in front of Quincy as he smiled, and they kissed him in the end.
Quincy’s daughter Rashida Jones came out to thank everyone for celebrating her father and said it was time to hear from “The man himself.” Quincy took the stage with a little dance and a big hug for his daughter.
“I can’t express the amount of the love that is spilling from heart right now.”
“God bless everyone one of you for being a part of my life. In the words of the late great Duke Ellington, “I love you madly.”
Gladys Night brought a beautiful end to Q85: A Musical Celebration For Quincy Jones with her performance of Home.
A fabulous tribute to an incredible man!
Tanya Hart
