The 2025 Grammy Awards paused to honor one of music’s most influential figures—Quincy Jones. The legendary producer, known for shaping the sound of modern music, was celebrated in a powerful tribute featuring Cynthia Erivo, Will Smith, Stevie Wonder, and a host of other stars.
The emotional performance was a fitting farewell for Jones, who passed away on November 4, 2024. It was a night of nostalgia, music, and deep admiration for a man who shaped generations of artists. But what made this tribute stand out?
Will Smith Sets the Tone with a Personal Homage
Will Smith took the stage first, addressing the audience at the Crypto.com Arena. The actor and rapper credited Jones for launching his career, saying,
“You probably wouldn’t even know who I was if it weren’t for Quincy Jones.”
Smith shared personal anecdotes of how Jones mentored him when he was just a young artist transitioning into acting. He recalled a crucial piece of advice Jones gave him during the early days of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, saying:
“It’s your job to take care of your people.”
This advice, Smith noted, stuck with him throughout his career. But the night wasn’t just about storytelling—it was about music. And soon, the tribute took an unforgettable turn.
A Musical Journey Through Quincy Jones’ Legacy
The tribute transitioned into a musical showcase, opening with Cynthia Erivo’s moving performance of Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon. With only Herbie Hancock’s piano accompanying her, Erivo delivered a stripped-down version before a lively brass band joined in, elevating the performance.
Just as the crowd settled into the jazz classic, country singer Lainey Wilson took the stage with an energetic rendition of Let the Good Times Roll, alongside Jacob Collier on piano. The blend of musical genres was a nod to Jones’ vast range of influence.
Then came Stevie Wonder. The legendary musician, who had worked with Jones on numerous projects, joined Hancock onstage to perform Bluesette on harmonica. The chemistry between the two music giants was undeniable.
As the crowd applauded, Wonder addressed them, reminding everyone of Jones’ humanitarian efforts. He introduced one of Jones’ most impactful productions—We Are the World.
A Powerful Message with ‘We Are the World’
The moment Stevie Wonder introduced We Are the World, the atmosphere in the arena shifted. The song, originally produced by Jones in 1985 to help alleviate famine in Africa, is still widely regarded as one of the greatest charity anthems of all time.
“Quincy was always there to help,” Wonder said. “He told us all to leave our egos at the door when we recorded this.”
As the performance unfolded, the audience, including stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, stood up in unison. A chorus of singers wearing sweatshirts with LA printed over a red heart provided harmonies—an intentional detail, as proceeds from the tribute were directed towards wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
The powerful moment was a testament to Jones’ ability to bring people together through music. But the evening wasn’t over yet.
Janelle Monáe Closes the Tribute with a Bang
Following the moving rendition of We Are the World, Will Smith returned to the stage for a final tribute. He reflected on how Quincy Jones was more than a mentor—he was a father figure to countless artists in the industry.
And then, the final act took center stage. Janelle Monáe electrified the room with a high-energy performance of Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, a song produced by Jones for Jackson’s Off the Wall album.
Monáe even pulled off a classic Michael Jackson moonwalk, thrilling the audience. Then, in a surprising move, she unbuttoned her shirt, revealing a tank top that read:
“I [Heart] QJ.”
Quincy Jones’ Unparalleled Grammy Legacy
Quincy Jones’ impact on music spans over seven decades. The mastermind behind some of the most iconic records in history, Jones won 28 Grammy Awards from an all-time record of 80 nominations. His work with Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and countless others changed the landscape of popular music.
In addition to his Grammy wins, Jones was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995 and received an honorary Oscar at the 2024 Governors Awards. Beyond music, he had an unwavering commitment to social causes, always using his platform to help those in need.
As the tribute ended, the crowd gave a standing ovation—for the performances and for the extraordinary man being celebrated.
A Tribute to Remember
The 2025 Grammys delivered a fitting homage to Quincy Jones—one filled with heartfelt speeches, stellar performances, and a reminder of his unrivaled influence on the industry.
Though Jones may no longer be with us, his music, his mentorship, and his humanitarian spirit will continue to inspire for generations to come.
One thing is certain: Quincy Jones’ legacy won’t fade anytime soon.