2025 GRAMMYs Celebrate the Legacy of Quincy Jones with Heartfelt Tribute

A Special Medley Honored the Incomparable Quincy Jones

The Recording Academy paid tribute to the life and legacy of the legendary Quincy Jones during the 2025 GRAMMYs. Recognized as a 28-time GRAMMY winner, Jones passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91. His indelible mark on music history was celebrated through a special medley featuring an array of acclaimed artists.

The Jazzy Rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon”

Opening the tribute was Cynthia Erivo and Herbie Hancock’s mesmerizing performance of “Fly Me to the Moon,” which Jones arranged for Frank Sinatra in 1964. This song featured Count Basie and won a GRAMMY in 1963 for Best Performance By An Orchestra – For Dancing. Erivo and Hancock’s rendition captivated the audience at Crypto.com Arena.

Lainey Wilson and Jacob Collier Perform “Let the Good Times Roll”

Current nominee Lainey Wilson, joined by Jacob Collier and a band, performed “Let the Good Times Roll.” This song earned Jones his first GRAMMY nomination in 1961 for Best Arrangement. The song’s memorable cover by Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Bono on Jones’ 1995 album Q’s Jook Joint was later inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2009.

Stevie Wonder Leads the Ensemble in “Bluesette”

Stevie Wonder showcased his legendary harmonica skills with his version of “Bluesette,” a 1962 instrumental jazz standard that closed Jones’ 1975 LP Mellow Madness. Herbie Hancock accompanied Wonder on the piano. Hancock then led the entire arena in a sing-along of “We Are the World,” the 1985 charity single that Jones produced, featuring an all-star lineup and grabbed multiple GRAMMY Awards in 1986, including Record Of The Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Will Smith Reflects on Quincy Jones’ Impact

Between performances, Will Smith addressed the audience, sharing the profound impact Jones had on his life. Jones advised Smith, “It is your job to take care of these people,” which has become his guiding principle. Smith emphasized how Jones’ teachings about community and care resonate deeply within him and all those who admire him.

Janelle Monáe Channels Michael Jackson with “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”

Janelle Monáe brought the energy and dance of Michael Jackson to the stage with her performance of “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” a testament to Jones’ long and productive working relationship with Jackson. Monáe ended her performance with a Moonwalk, symbolizing the eternal connection between Jackson, Jones, and their music. She also dedicated the performance to Jones with a T-shirt that read “I [Heart] QJ,” which happened to end up around Taylor Swift’s shoulders during the show.

A Life Devoted to Music and Philanthropy

Beyond his 80 GRAMMY nominations, Jones won multiple GRAMMY Awards, including Producer of the Year three times and Album and Record of the Year twice. He also received prestigious honors such as the GRAMMY Trustees Award in 1989, the GRAMMY Legend Award in 1991, and was named MusiCares Person of the Year in 1996.

Quincy Jones’ enduring legacy is a testament to his incredible talent and lifelong commitment to music. The 2025 GRAMMYs tribute not only celebrated his remarkable career but also highlighted the timeless impact his music continues to have on audiences worldwide.

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