Some of the biggest names in popular culture and politics, from Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to Sir Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, have remembered Quincy Jones in a succession of personal tributes.

In a long thank you on rolling stoneWonder said that the musician and producer, who died Sunday at the age of 91, “should be remembered as one of God’s greatest gifts to the world.”

Winfrey said that “my life changed forever and for the better” after meeting him, describing him as “love lived out loud in human form.”

Sir Paul said he was “supremely talented” and recalled that he “always had a twinkle in his eye and a very positive, loving spirit that infected everyone who knew him.”

“His long career dates back to the early days, when he was a trumpet player, then a band leader, and then a producer of many great records.” sir paul wrote.

“But I would like to remember him as a friend. 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 this great man that I will always remember.” remember fondly.”

Jones helped create classic recordings with musicians such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, and wrote more than 50 film and television soundtracks.

He also produced films such as The Color Purple, from 1985, which gave him winfrey your great opportunity.

“I had never met, nor have I met since, anyone whose heart was so full of love,” said the presenter and actress.

“He walked with a wide open heart and treated everyone as if they were the most important person he had ever met. He was the Light. No shadows.”

He added: “He was the most powerful of souls. His life improved mine and every life he touched. That will be his global legacy.

“The biggest, fullest, most loving life ever. One of a kind!”

In his tribute, Wonder wrote that “losing Quincy is beyond heartbreaking.”

The pair worked together when Jones produced the 1985 charity single We Are the World and on songs with Jackson and Donna Summer.

Jones was motivated by “the idea of ​​giving and receiving the best, not for the money, just for the art of it,” Wonder wrote. “You can look back and hear all that when you listen to his music.”

The singer added that Jones “should be remembered as a star that will continue to burn as long as we exist as humans, passing on the messages and music that he made.”

“If I could have chosen my last words to Quincy before he made that transition, I would have to borrow something that Duke Ellington would always say: ‘Quincy, I love you so much.'”

‘History changed’

the weekendwho wrote the foreword to Jones’ book 12 Notes On Life And Creativity and included it on his album Dawn FM, published a 900-word tribute to “the man who changed, not only the course of my life, but the course of history” . .

“The work he does when the cameras are off is often the most impactful,” he wrote.

“His humility surpassed me. In this business, it is common to think that you are the biggest VIP on Earth after getting a hit record and a little fame.

“But seeing the man who has achieved more than anyone act without a hint of selfishness was the best example of how to lead by example.”

hitmaker Pharrell Williams hailed Jones as “the greatest of all time.”

“I feel honored to have known Quincy and to have shared so many moments with him,” he wrote.

“An incomparable talent who will be deeply missed.”

Justin Timberlake described Jones as “a once-in-a-lifetime artist.”

He was “the example of excellence in the craft” and “a mentor to many who followed him,” he wrote.

“Growing up listening to so many of his timeless works shaped much of the music I wanted to make or be a part of. The maestro behind many of my favorite artists.”

He added: “There was so much guidance he gave me along the way that I will carry with me forever.”

Timberkale ended his message: “RIP, King. Your contribution will last forever and ever. What a journey you’ve taken us all.”

U2 leader bond wrote: “Wherever I am tonight… the music will be a little more melodic, a little more harmonically interesting and certainly more rhythmic… and yes, louder.”

Rapper and producer Fugees Wyclef Jean said: “RIP to my mentor #QuincyJones, you’re the reason I became a songwriter at 16…Long live the musical king.”

Barbara Streisandwho worked with Jones on his 1988 album, Till I Loved You, said: “He gave so much to the world. I will miss you so much, my dear friend.”

“Dear Quincy, we will always keep you in our hearts.”

Diana Rosswho appeared with Michael Jackson in the 1978 film The Wiz, for which Jones produced the soundtrack, said: “His love and music touched our hearts and souls. His words and legacy will continue to inspire us all forever.”

Jones’ prolific and varied career also included co-producing the television comedy The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, which launched the career of Will Smith.

“Quincy Jones is the definition of a mentor, father and friend,” Smith wrote.

“He pointed out the best parts of myself. He defended me. He cared for me. He encouraged me. He inspired me. He controlled me when necessary. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.”

Remembering Quincy Jones

Jones also nurtured a new generation of artists, including the Grammy-winning British musician. Jacob Collier.

He wrote: “More than a legend. A real-life superhero. A maverick master magician. A fierce lover of life. A human being of the highest level. My friend, soul brother and North Star…

“He lifted me up, giving me the courage to believe in my essence and follow where it took me, in a way that would fundamentally change the course of my life forever.”

And he added: “I will greatly miss my friend, the coolest ‘grandfather’ figure on the planet: the eye that shines with irony, the finger that points crookedly, the unparalleled stories of Picasso, Stravinsky, Sinatra, Bird, Nadia Boulanger, even the infinite”. – and the unlimited kindness, unconditional support and love, plus the amazing wealth of music we can all enjoy forever.

“You’ll be in every note I play.”

Meanwhile, Janelle Monae he recalled how “musically, it inspired us to dream Wild and Big.”

She said: “He made me and many artists and musicians feel that we could do anything. Furthermore, through his contributions, he showed us that we could do anything because he did it.”

“I love you. I will miss you. Your spirit lives on forever.”

Oscar-winning actor and rapper Jamie Foxx he thanked Jones “for giving music to the world” and “for giving the world an example of what a great human being is supposed to be like.”

“You taught us how to live, you taught us how to take advantage of every moment of life,” he said.

“You have no idea the impact you had on a young man from Texas…the impact you had on the entire world will never be forgotten…rest in power, KING.”

rapper ice t He added: “Genius is a description freely used but rarely deserved. Point-blank, Quincy was the MAN.”

“I won my first Grammy with Quincy and I live with his Wisdom every day… This one hit me. God bless you KING.”

Tributes also came from the political world, with the former US president. Obama saying: “His music attracted listeners of all races and ages.

“And by building a career that took him from the streets of Chicago to the heights of Hollywood, Quincy paved the way for generations of black executives to make their mark in the entertainment business.”

presidential candidate Kamala Harris He described him as a “pioneer.”

“He lived his life unapologetically, using his gifts to uplift others,” she wrote. “He broke barriers and opened doors for those who came after him, not for praise but because he knew the power of our shared potential.”

He added: “I had the honor of calling Quincy a friend. I will always remember his generosity of spirit, his selfless support and his profound kindness. Our world has lost a giant. But in his melodies and in the lives he touched, The Legacy of Quincy will live forever.”

and president joe biden He said he was “a musical genius who transformed the soul of America: one beat, one groove and one rhyme at a time.”

Daughter Martina Jones He also shared his memories and said that his father had been “my friend, my support, my guide and my inspiration of what love is like.”

She continued, “The hole in my heart will definitely take time to heal. I will keep his humor, his words, his wisdom and love for life close to my heart and move forward with the strength he instilled in me and with every ounce of me.” I can only hope to hold my brothers and love them from the bottom of my heart.

“Secondly, it’s about how many lives I know he has touched simply by being who he was and sharing the love of his craft with the world. ‘To say you will be missed is not enough, we will simply never forget you.

“Thank you for loving me and being the best dad.”