The music scene was struck by a huge loss last November – the passing of Jacko producer and film score composer Quincy Delight Jones Jr., at the age of 91. This legendary ‘man behind the curtain’ had accumulated an eye-watering total of 28 Grammy Awards throughout his lifetime, so when it came to honoring the late star, what better event to celebrate Quincy’s legacy than at the 2025 Grammys, surrounded by the decades of actors his scores inspired.
Tributing Quincy’s enduring legacy were two long-term friends and collaborators: jazz musician/composer Herbie Hancock (who lent his tune, “Tell Me a Bedtime Story,” to Quincy’s own 1978 record) and Stevie Wonder, who famously worked on the Quincy-produced 1985 charity single, “We Are the World.” Their Grammys performance has already amassed over 134,000 views in a matter of weeks!
For this touching set, Herbie (now 84 years old) and Stevie (74) medlied the tunes “Bluesette” and “We Are The World,” reimagining the classics under the pure light of jazz. Herbie takes reign over the grand piano while Stevie perches beside him, harmonica in hand, both dressed respectfully in black with a grungy flair.
You may also like...
- Article Continues Below -
Their rendition is so classy even Stevie has to set his harmonica down for a moment to vibe, smiling to Herbie’s mind-boggling piano solos, rich in class, dissonance, and the lo-fi ambience of a smoked-out jazz club, before Stevie’s incredible top lines come back into full force. It’s easy to lose yourself in Stevie’s melodies, but even easier to sink below the bubbling waves of Herbie’s virtuosic jazz chords; melancholic but upbeat like an obscure Animal Crossing soundtrack.
Some Music Man readers and pop fans out there might not be acquainted with the jazz classic, “Bluesette;” an instrumental piece composed by Toots Thielemans, and winner of the 1964 Grammy for Best Instrumental Theme, as well as the 1992 award for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. While lyrics were later added atop the track by the New York songwriter, Norman Gimbel (co-writer of the original 1972 edition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song”), Stevie and Herbie brought this song back to its original, top form and with unstoppable style.
And fans have been quick to notice how masterful their medley was. As one fan commented on the YouTube clip, “Two maestros at work. We are so lucky to live whilst these two lived,” another caught the feeling, commenting, “Both seem to have found the fountain of youth! Amazing and heartwarming performance!”
Amongst countless other tributes Quincy has received since his passing, in speech and in song, one of the most powerful moments came from Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg at the 2025 Oscars, who spoke, “When we talk about black excellence, we’re talking about Quincy.”
Quincy Delight Jones Jr.’s indelible impact on music was beautifully honored at the 2025 Grammys by his close friends, Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder. Their heartfelt tribute serves as a poignant reminder of Quincy’s legendary contributions. To explore more about the life and legacy of Quincy Jones, as well as this unforgettable performance, please check out the links provided below.