Exploring the Friendship Between Quincy Jones and Will Smith: A Tribute to a Mentor, Father Figure, and Friend
Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones Passes Away at 91
Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in the music industry, renowned for his collaborations with icons such as Frank Sinatra and for producing many of Michael Jackson’s classic albums, died on Sunday, November 2, at the age of 91. According to a report by RFI on November 4, he was at his home in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, surrounded by family during his final moments.
In the statement provided by his publicist Arnold Robinson, the family expressed their grief, saying:
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. 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.”
The news of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes, including one from actor Will Smith. Posting on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of the two, Smith wrote:
“Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend. 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.”
The Special Bond Between Quincy Jones and Will Smith
Will Smith’s relationship with Quincy Jones dates back to the late 1980s, when Jones played a pivotal role in launching Smith’s career through the iconic sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Reflecting on his struggles during that time, Smith recounted in a 2018 YouTube vlog how he frequented the set of The Arsenio Hall Show in hopes of landing job opportunities. It was there he connected with Benny Medina, the creative force behind The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Medina saw potential in Smith for the lead role despite his lack of acting experience and decided to introduce him to Quincy Jones.
During a gathering for Jones’s birthday in December 1989, Medina formally pitched Smith for the show. Smith vividly remembered the moment:
“It’s Quincy’s birthday… It’s a big party, so everybody’s in there. It was Brandon Tartikoff, the head of NBC… Warren Littlefield, all of that. Quincy says, ‘Hey, clear the living room out. We’re gonna do an audition.’ … I thought, ‘Who’s doing an audition?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, you got it…’”
Initially hesitant to audition, believing he wasn’t an actor, Smith soon found himself in an office adorned with posters from Jones’s famous works, including The Color Purple and Jackson’s Thriller.
In a memorable moment from 2021, Smith recounted that Jones urged him to audition, explaining that the opportunity was critical for his future. Smith went on to perform in front of the gathered guests and received a standing ovation, ultimately securing the lead role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
To date, no specific details surrounding Quincy Jones’s cause of death have been publicly disclosed.
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