Music icon and pop culture titan, Quincy Jones passed away aged 91. His loss has hit all over the entertainment sphere. From Gabrielle Union and Michael Caine to Lakers greats like Kareem Abdul-Jababr and Magic Johnson, stars poured out their grief on social media. The announcement came from Jones’ publicist that he passed away in his Bel Air home surrounded by family. The cause of death was not revealed. Jones, who famously brought together an army of celebrities for “We Are the World,” was memorialized by his celebrity friends.

Quincy Jones formed some great friendships with the Showtime Lakers. He counted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar among his social circle and the big man was devastated by the news of his passing. Kareem was on Instagram with a personal picture holding his buddy and coming to terms with life.

He mournfully said, “I’ve reached an age where I start a lot of sentences with, ‘A good friend of mine died yesterday.’ But the death of Quincy Jones is especially devastating to me – and to the world.” He recalled the many birthdays, holidays, and more their families have spent together, their shared love for music, and social justice.

While he sees all the tributes talking about Quincy’s storeyed career, Kareem will remember, “those six decades of friendship that gave a warm glow to my life.” 

Gabrielle Union shared a tribute to the Grammy legend, writing, “A Father. A Giant. An Icon. A Genius. An Incredible Storyteller. The Keeper and Facilitator of the Culture. A Man who will be incredibly missed and loved for eternity.” 

His seven children and unrivalled legacy survive Jones. Among his many contributions to showbiz and culture, a lesser known side of him was promoting African-American dancers.

Over a decade ago, Dwyane Wade’s wife had the opportunity to work with Quincy Jones in this. Both were the honorary chairs of Alvin Ailey’s Opening Night Gala in 2013.

Jones’ birthday twin, Michael Caine, LL Cool J, Ice-T, Nile Rogers and more paid tributes to the legend. The loss was also felt within the NBA community.

NBA stars memorialize an icon

Magic Johnson’s friendship with Quincy Jones goes way back. Only last week, he was happy for Dwyane Wade and his family after he received major honors by the Miami Heat. And he was revelling in the LA Dodgers winning him 15th championship ring overall. Now he’s heartbroken over the loss of an old friend he’s known since his Lakers days.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and an all-time icon, Quincy D. Jones. Quincy had an exceptional ear for music,” Johnson wrote in a lengthy X post. Quincy Jones’ work on Michael Jackson’s thriller remains close to the NBA legend as it was filmed in the former Magic Johnson Theater. Chicago Bulls legend Ron Harper responded to Magic’s tribute with, “A ICON for sure!!”

Klay Thompson, a longtime fan of Jones’ work, drowned in grief by listening to one of his hits. “RIP Quincy Jones! Truly the greatest to ever do it! I’m spinning off the wall and Thriller all day in his honor.” Klay famously turns to music to comfort him during tough times. Quincy Jones’ pop classics are some of his go-to comfort songs.

That showcases the lasting impact Quincy Jones had across multiple generations and fields. As more tributes pour in, we continue to see the legend’s influence in different ways.