Justin Timberlake Pays Tribute To Quincy Jones, His Mentor And A Musical Legend
Justin Timberlake has shared a heartfelt tribute to legendary musician Quincy Jones, who passed away at 91 on November 3. Posting to Instagram the next day, Justin honored the late icon with a series of photos from a 2017 dinner they shared and a moving message celebrating Quincy’s enduring impact on music and his life.
“A once in a lifetime artist,” Justin, 43, wrote alongside the photos. Reflecting on Jones’s influence, he said, “The example of excellence at craft. A mentor to so many that have followed.”
Justin, who grew up admiring Quincy’s work, shared that listening to his iconic songs helped shape his own career. “The maestro behind so many of my favorite artists,” he continued, describing how the late artist had been an inspiration and guide.
Justin shared that he was lucky enough to receive personal mentorship from Quincy over the years. “…To take a journey myself into the world of being an artist and getting to be in his presence and spend time talking about music and life. There were so many bits of guidance he gave me along the way that I will take with me forever,” he wrote. He added that meeting Quincy’s family, who are also artists, made him appreciate the love Quincy had shared with the world even more. “A direct reflection of the love he gave,” he noted.
The Friends with Benefits star expressed a “heavy heart” as he sent his condolences to Quincy’s family and friends, calling him “the King.” “RIP, King. Your contribution will live on forever and ever. What a journey you have taken us all on,” he concluded.
Tributes to Quincy poured in from fans and friends worldwide. Celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Elton John, and LL Cool J shared messages honoring the legend, whose impact on music will be felt for generations.
His family confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE, expressing pride and love for his legacy. “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’s passing. And 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,” they shared.
The family spoke of his “boundless love” for music and the joy he brought to others, adding, “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”
Jones is survived by his seven children, including Rashida Jones, Kidada Jones, and Quincy Jones III, and three grandchildren, each carrying on his legacy of creativity and artistry.
