In a world where legends are as rare as a Wi-Fi signal at your great aunt’s house, one stood taller than the rest. Quincy Jones, musical genius, ultimate producer, and the guy who probably knew where all the coolest after-parties were, has sadly moonwalked off this mortal stage at the age of 91. Cue the collective gasp of the universe.
On Monday morning (November 4), the Jones family officially dropped the news that made the world press pause on its playlist of life: Quincy had passed away. It was like the day the music truly took a nap.
But in stepped Will Smith, the Fresh Prince himself, known for saving the world multiple times in movies and once, unofficially, during a Twitter spat. The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actor hit up Instagram with a post that could make a stone cry or at least make your phone battery drop from the weight of its feels. In the post, Will cranked up the sentimentality to a solid 11, describing Quincy as the ultimate trifecta of a mentor, father, and friend, like a magical hybrid superhero who could give advice, lend you lunch money, and ground you for not doing your homework — all at once.
“Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend,” Will wrote, likely with dramatic background music that Quincy himself would have approved of. “He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself.” Translation: Quincy had superhuman patience and probably kept a very sturdy pair of shades for all the eye rolls. “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.” And somewhere, an eagle shed a single tear.
To add to the emotional punch, Will included a black-and-white photo of himself with Quincy on the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which feels like the TV equivalent of discovering a picture of you at your first job with the boss who didn’t fire you for showing up late that one time.
In case you missed the history lesson in the back of the class, Quincy Jones wasn’t just a legendary figure who worked with everyone from Sinatra to Michael Jackson (a.k.a. the King of Pop), but he was also the behind-the-scenes wizard who spotted young Will Smith, the rapper, and said, “Yo, this kid’s got something. Let’s make him the next big thing.” Quincy didn’t just set up an audition for Will; he practically hand-delivered him to stardom on a silver platter with a side of swagger.
Our hearts are definitely with Quincy’s loved ones right now, because the world has lost a musical magician, a backstage mastermind, and probably the best party host the industry has ever seen. RIP, Quincy. May the afterlife have a top-notch sound system ready for you.