Quincy Jones Remembers Working With Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and More Ahead of His 90th Birthday Celebration: ‘No One Could’ve Imagined the Heights We Reached’
27.07.2023 - 19:57
/ variety.com
Todd Gilchrist editor At 90, Quincy Jones has accomplished enough for a dozen lifetimes. As a songwriter, composer, performer and producer, he’s collaborated with (and created) some of the biggest acts of all time, from Ray Charles to Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson.
He’s worked on acclaimed, blockbuster film and television projects. And he’s contributed to and championed a broad spectrum of academic, philanthropic and social causes.
In order to properly commemorate those achievements, it seems appropriate that his forthcoming celebration at the Hollywood Bowl take place over not one but two days, as a murderer’s row of performers will gather to sing his works — and his praises — from a career that’s only a few years shorter than his March 14, 1933 birth date. Set for July 28 and 29, “Quincy Jones’ 90th Birthday Tribute: A Musical Celebration” will feature appearances by H.E.R., Jennifer Hudson, Samara Joy, BJ The Chicago Kid, Patti Austin, Angélique Kidjo, Tori Kelly, Siedah Garrett, Alfredo Rodriguez, Sheléa and more.
They will perform songs not only from his own extensive catalog of recordings, which include “Soul Bossa Nova,” “Ai No Corrida” and “One Hundred Ways,” but the dozens of albums he worked on throughout his career for other artists, including many of those above. “The wonderful thing about these Bowl shows is that I’m not tasked with putting them together, so I get to sit back and enjoy the evening without the stress,” Jones tells Variety.
“But I know and love all of the artists on the lineup, so I’m looking forward to the evening. I’m sure it’s going to be emotional for me.” Asked if he has a shortlist of favorite songs among the thousands of recordings he’s made, he says it would be as difficult for him
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