Quincy Jones Honored in Mark Ronson’s Heartfelt Tribute
Mark Ronson pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary music producer Quincy Jones.
In a poignant article published in The Guardian on Thursday (Dec. 26), Ronson shared his deeply personal memories of collaborating with the musical genius Jones, who passed away in November at the age of 91. He emphasized the profound influence that Jones had on his artistic journey and how his legacy continues to shape the music industry. Ronson’s reflections highlight the significant role that mentorship and collaboration play in the world of music, illustrating how Jones’ impact resonates beyond his lifetime.
“Losing Quincy feels like a black hole consuming a vital part of the musical universe,” Ronson expressed. “However, the body of his work will endure for generations, as will the invaluable lessons he imparted. Strive for deeper understanding and always allow space for something greater than yourself. Sometimes, true magic unfolds when we step aside and let creativity take the lead.”
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Ronson began his heartfelt tribute by recalling a significant passage from Jones’ 2001 autobiography, Q, which reveals how the iconic musician made the bold decision to step away from a flourishing career in order to immerse himself in the study of music theory and composition in Paris. This moment exemplifies Jones’ unyielding commitment to artistic growth and excellence.
“Imagine reaching the pinnacle of success, especially as a young Black musician navigating the challenges of segregated 1950s America, and then choosing to start anew for the sake of understanding chords and harmony,” Ronson mused. “I dream of possessing that level of courage and vision.” His admiration for Jones speaks to the inspiration that artists glean from those who paved the way for future generations.
“Yet, that’s the challenge of measuring oneself against Quincy,” he continued. “He represents an unattainable benchmark. For producers and arrangers like myself, he didn’t merely elevate the standard; he concealed it in a realm that seems unreachable.” This resonates with many aspiring artists striving to leave their own mark in a competitive industry.
Ronson also reminisced about the invaluable time he spent with Jones, particularly during his engagement to the renowned producer’s daughter, Rashida Jones, in the early 2000s. Their collaboration on the song “Keep Reachin’,” featuring the legendary Chaka Khan, for the 2018 Netflix documentary Quincy, directed by Rashida Jones, served as a testament to the creative synergy that existed between them.
“Throughout the years, he would send me thoughtful notes, often expressing his admiration for artists like Amy [Winehouse]. We frequently enjoyed each other’s company during my performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival, a cherished venue for him,” Ronson recounted. “Seeing him at stage right, settled in his director’s chair — epitomizing the debonair image of a music godfather, smiling back at you — stirred an exhilarating mix of emotions.”
He added, “Having the greatest producer and arranger of all time observing your every move can be incredibly intimidating. Yet, he radiated nothing but generosity. His only desire was for you to succeed and shine brightly. Having achieved the unimaginable, he now embodied something truly rare and beautiful — a supportive cheerleader for the magic of music itself.”
Jones sadly passed away on Nov. 3 at his residence in Los Angeles. An extraordinary talent, Jones won 28 Grammy Awards and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work as a producer and arranger on legendary albums, including Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). His influence on the music industry is unparalleled.
Jones was also pivotal in orchestrating the all-star charity single “We Are the World” in 1985, a monumental project that soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This iconic track featured a dazzling lineup of artists, including legends like Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Kenny Rogers, showcasing the power of unity in music.
