Quincy humbled by Power 100 award
LOS ANGELES: Though Quincy Jones and LL Cool J never collaborated musically, the rapper-actor says Jones has played a major role in his life.
“You just really taught me to be a man,” LL Cool J said on Wednesday in a heartfelt introduction of his mentor and friend at Ebony magazine’s annual Power 100 banquet, where Jones was guest of honour.
He received a lifetime achievement award at the event, which recognises black Americans who are wielding considerable power, such as TV producer Shonda Rhimes, New York Times editor Dean Baquet, physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and Little League star Mo’Ne Davis.
LL Cool J said Jones was like a father to him and called him “the greatest producer in the history of music”. Fittingly, the 81-year-old producer, composer and philanthropist was celebrated in song.
Chaka Khan also said Jones felt like family. He was “like an uncle, even a father”, she said as she dedicated her performance of Sweet Thing to him. James Ingram sang two hits that Jones produced: Just Once and One Hundred Ways. Ingram also shared a duet with Patti Austin.
Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick got attendees dancing and singing with their original 1980s hits The Show and La Di Da Di. Savion Glover performed a dance of his own.
Jones was recognised for his philanthropic efforts and sixdecade career. He has worked with the greats, from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson. He has scored feature films – 38 of them – and earned seven Academy Award nominations. He also brought Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith to broader audiences.
“We’re not, any of us, above being a groupie when it comes to Quincy Jones,” former politician Colin Powell said.
Jones said he was humbled. – Sapa-AP