Tributes roll in for Quincy Jones who has passed, aged 91

Tributes have started pouring in far and wide as fans and fellow celebrities mourn the death of music legend Quincy Jones, who passed aged 91 yesterday.

A statement from his family read: "Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones' passing."

"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."

Now, tributes for the legendary composer - whose career spanned more than 70 years - have started flowing.

Elton John took to Instagram, sharing a photo of the pair together at one of the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscar viewing parties on Instagram. “Nobody had a career as incredible as Quincy Jones. He played with the best and he produced the best. What a guy. Loved him,” Elton wrote. 

“Always a loyal supporter of this important fundraiser.”

Paul McCartney has also paid tribute to Quincy Jones, sharing a series of photos of the legends together and writing: "Dear Quincy Jones has passed and left those of us who knew him feeling sad."

"He was supremely talented, and I felt privileged to have known him for many years. He was friends with George Martin, the Beatles’ producer and, between the two of them, produced some very fine music."

"Quincy or ‘Quince’ or ‘Q’, as he was known, always had a twinkle in his eye and had a very positive, loving spirit which infected everyone who knew him. His work with Michael Jackson is, of course, legendary and he had so many other strings to his musical bow."

"My main recollections of him were always the private moments that we shared, and I will never stop thanking Nancy for always arranging to visit him when we were in Los Angeles. These visits were fun and inspiring."

"His long career stretches back to the early days when he was a trumpet player, then a band leader, then a producer of many great records. But it is as a friend I would like to remember him. We always had fun in his presence and his legend will continue through the years, but it is those private moments we were lucky enough to have with the great man that I will always remember fondly."

"We send our love and sympathies to his family and all his many friends."

Will Smith also shared a tribute to Quincy, saying that he came into his life as a "father" and "role model."

"Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend," Will said. "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."

Quincy produced the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990, composing the theme song and casting the down-on-his-luck rapper Will Smith in the title role. 

“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,” LL Cool J wrote alongside a photo of Quincy holding numerous Grammys awards. 

“My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally. #ripquincyjones one of one.”

Read on for more tributes to Quincy Jones:

Lionel Richie shared a photo of the pair, writing: “Wow, Q – what a great ride!! ❤️🙏🏽 – with love always”

Mariah Carey wrote, "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."

“Thank you Dear Friend, For sharing you, your gifts, your light and your life with all of us. Rest Well,” Gladys Knight wrote on Threads.

Lenny Kravitz shared a series of photos of himself with Quincy, writing: “I am speechless at the moment. What this man means to me goes extremely deep. What a life. What an expression of authenticity. What a teacher,” “I am humbled that I was given the gift of your openness and friendship. I am still processing… My deepest condolences and respects to the Jones family.”

Barbra Streisand shared a sweet snap of the pair and wrote: "Q and I first met in 1963 and I’ve adored him ever since. He gave so much to the world. I will miss you so much my dear friend."

“I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones,” Ice-T tweeted. “Genius is a discription 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.”

Sir Michael Caine has paid tribute to his "celestial twin" Quincy Jones, saying he was "a titan in the musical world. He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.”