Music royalty gathered at the Hollywood Bowl on July 28-29 for an unforgettable two-night tribute to Quincy Jones, who recently turned 90. The illustrious event, celebrating the versatile genius of Quincy Jones, saw performances from a star-studded line-up.
The musical celebration was kicked off by Patti Austin, proclaiming, “Q, this is for you!” Her words set the stage for a rich sampling of Jones’ expansive career, including his roles as an artist, producer, arranger, and conductor.
Among those paying tribute to Jones were his goddaughter Austin, Stevie Wonder, up-and-coming talent Samara Joy, and key members of Jones’ historic band, such as music director Greg Phillinganes and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. The evening was further enriched by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra under the guidance of conductor Jules Buckley.
Five Highlight Moments from Saturday’s Performance (July 29):
- A Wonderful Duet: Stevie Wonder and Austin performed “Betcha’ Wouldn’t Hurt Me”, a track from Jones’ 1981 album ‘The Dude’. Wonder also reminisced about meeting Jones at the age of 14 and thanked him for inspiring his own musical journey.
- Joy’s Jazz Tribute: Samara Joy’s rendition of “Misty” and Aloe Blacc’s performance of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” resonated with Jones’ early jazz roots.
- Hudson’s Powerful Homage: Jennifer Hudson’s spirited performance of “You Don’t Own Me” was a vibrant homage to Jones’ 1963 production. Hudson’s remarkable range and stage presence received cheers from the audience.
- The MJ Suite: The evening included an electrifying tribute to Jones’ collaborations with Michael Jackson. Various artists performed iconic hits, concluding with Siedah Garrett’s emotive version of “Man in the Mirror.”
- Two Encores: The night wrapped with two encores, including a 2023 rendition of “Let the Good Times Roll” and Wonder leading a performance of “Happy Birthday,” a song tied to Martin Luther King Day.
The two-night tribute included additional performances from John Legend, Angélique Kidjo, BJ The Chicago Kid, Sheléa, and Stevie Mackey.
The Hollywood Bowl’s heartfelt celebration of Jones’ 90th birthday succeeded in encapsulating the magnificence of his contributions to the music industry. His absence from the event did not diminish the love and respect radiating from the stage, as artists and audience members alike honored the man whose music has shaped generations.
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