Stars pay tribute to Quincy Jones at the Grammy Awards

Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Will Smith, and more have paid tribute to the late Quincy 'Q' Jones at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards this afternoon.

“This past year, we lost one of the most groundbreaking and influential figures of our times: Quincy Jones. Known to friends around the world simply as Q,” Will Smith began in his speech, honouring the 28-time Grammy winner. 

“In his 91 years, Q touched countless lives, but I have to say, he changed mine forever. You probably wouldn’t even know who Will Smith was if it wasn’t for Quincy Jones. Quincy made so many music greats, across multiple genres, sound even greater, bringing the best out in legends.”

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo took to the stage, accompanied by a full jazz orchestra and the legendary Herbie Hancock on piano, for a performance of Fly Me to the Moon. 

Country star Lainey Wilson performed Let the Good Times Roll, before Stevie Wonder, harmonica in hand, took to the stage alongside Herbie for Bluesette, which was featured on Quincy's’ 1975 album Mellow Madness.

They then launched into the star-studded charity single We Are the World, the 1985 release—written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Joel, Dionne Warwick, Tina Turner, and Bob Dylan—that was recorded and released to raise money for famine relief in Africa.

“Quincy was always there to help,” said Stevie, recalling the single’s iconic recording session. 

“That day, Quincy told us to keep our egos out and at the door. And we are still the world. And I say to you, we’re still the children. We are still the people who fight and will die for this nation. So we definitely have to be able to celebrate each and each other’s cultures, all the time.”

Will returned to tell a story about how Quincy, who was executive producer on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, scolded him for not providing better food for the show's crew.

He recalled how his friend told him: "It is your job to take care of these people."

He added, "And I’ve done everything I can throughout my career to live up to Quincy’s demand."

“Quincy Jones always took care of people. And that’s how he fed the world."

Janelle Monáe ended the tribute to Quincy with a glittery cover of Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough.

Earlier in the show, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars covered The Mamas & The Papas’ California Dreamin’ in honour of those impacted by the recent wildfires.