Canadian musicians recall industry titan Quincy Jones as mentor, friend, family
He noted that Jones’ influence on music transcends genres, with many Canadian musicians crediting him for shaping their careers and the broader landscape of music.
Céline Peterson, the youngest daughter of the late jazz legend Oscar Peterson, fondly recalls the joyful moments her father shared with the iconic Quincy Jones, who passed away on Sunday.
She vividly remembers an occasion more than 20 years ago at a reception following her father's performance at the Hollywood Bowl, highlighting the laughter and camaraderie between the two music giants.
Tributes are pouring in for Jones, whose remarkable career significantly influenced the music industry. Montreal jazz singer Nikki Yanofsky, a protégé of Jones, reflected on how his "wisdom, warmth, and kindness" profoundly impacted her life.
Musician Andrew Craig, who directed a musical tribute to Jones in Toronto in 2001, described him as down-to-earth and gracious.
Lou Robinson, known as King Lou from the hip hop group Dream Warriors, shared his long-standing friendship with Jones, noting that the two connected after the group’s hit “My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style,” which sampled Jones’ classic “Soul Bossa Nova.”
Céline Peterson emphasized how important their friendship was, recalling that when her father passed away, Jones was one of the first to express his desire to celebrate Oscar’s life at his memorial in Toronto.
She recognized the bond they shared and the lasting impact of their relationship.
Michael Williams, a former MuchMusic VJ and friend of Jones, recounted his experiences hosting Jones during his visits to Canada.
He described their late-night conversations and how he became a trusted local resource for Jones, addressing everything from food cravings to safety in unfamiliar environments.
Craig also reflected on the energy and vibrancy Jones brought into any space, highlighting his humility despite his monumental achievements.
He noted that Jones’ influence on music transcends genres, with many Canadian musicians crediting him for shaping their careers and the broader landscape of music.
The collective memories and tributes paint a picture of Quincy Jones as not just a music industry titan but a generous and beloved figure who fostered connections and inspired countless artists. His legacy, marked by collaboration and mentorship, continues to resonate deeply within the music community.
