Nationwide — Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg paid tribute to Quincy Jones on the latest Oscars, celebrating his legacy in music and movie. The legendary producer and composer handed away in November on the age of 91. The viewers gave a long-standing ovation, celebrating his groundbreaking contributions.
Winfrey and Goldberg took the stage on the Dolby Theatre, highlighting Jones’ affect, in line with Rolling Out.
“When one hears the identify Quincy Jones, one’s first thought is ‘musical genius’,” Winfrey mentioned, highlighting his 28 Grammy wins and collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. He additionally produced the worldwide hit We Are the World and composed scores for quite a few movies.
“After we discuss Black excellence, we discuss Quincy,” Goldberg added. She emphasised how Jones broke boundaries within the movie trade, changing into the primary Black composer nominated for an Unique Music Oscar in 1967. He earned seven Oscar nominations, together with for The Wiz, The Love of Ivy, and The Shade Purple.
Winfrey additionally credited him for locating her in The Shade Purple, which launched her performing profession. “My life modified for the higher after assembly him,” she mentioned.
Goldberg added, “Me too. So tonight we honor the true American legend whose music and films proceed to encourage us all.”
The tribute culminated with Queen Latifah’s shock efficiency of Ease on Down from The Wiz, that includes dancers in costumes impressed by the movie.
The ceremony honored Jones not simply as a music and movie pioneer however as a trailblazer for Black artists. A closing montage highlighted his decades-long affect, leaving many within the viewers visibly moved.
