Today, the Montreux Jazz Festival honors the feelings of one of its heroes, a legend among legends and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for all generations of musicians around the world.
Quincy Jones loved to surprise, create connections and push boundaries. He didn’t care about the style, age or nationality, only the quality of the music was important to him. Such openness was rare in the industry. To complete the craziest projects he had on stage, he could always rely on his great friend, his “brother from another mother”, Claude Nobs.
The story between Quincy and Montreux began in 1991 when he was appointed official co-producer for three years. This was a big dream for Claude and the close friendship of brotherhood began. Their collaboration began with a masterpiece: They were able to convince Miles Davis to reinterpret the most important works of his past in Montreux – a task he had always refused until then. This legendary concert, led by Quincy Jones, was one of the last for Miles, who died a few months later, and was awarded a Grammy Award.
During the 2000s, Quincy Jones organized large custom parties for Montreux with musicians from all continents and generations. Among them were Phil Collins, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Simply Red, Chaka Khan, Petula Clark, Al Jarreau, Nana Mouskouri, Mos Def, Jon Batiste, MatthieuChedid and Jorja Smith.
After the death of Claude Nobs in 2013, Quincy Jones continued to travel to Montreux every summer and continued his role as ambassador, putting all his passion, genius and contacts at the service of the festival. In Montreux he met young talents such as Jacob Collier and Alfredo Rodriguez, whom he looked after as a producer and mentor.
Quincy Jones left his mark forever on the history of Montreux and on the hearts of those who were lucky enough to meet him here. We will miss his laughs, his incredible stories, his travels, his sense of celebration and his generosity.
Thanks for everything, Quincy.
You were our hero.
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Interview: Celebrating Quincy Jones at the Montreux Jazz Festival
Editor (Time.news): Good morning, everyone! Today, we have the incredible opportunity to speak with Dr. Ellen Goodman, a renowned musicologist and expert in jazz history. Dr. Goodman, thank you for joining us today, especially as the Montreux Jazz Festival pays tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones.
Dr. Ellen Goodman: Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss the vibrant legacy of Quincy Jones, especially during such a significant event like the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Editor: Quincy Jones is often hailed as a musical innovator who broke down boundaries. In your opinion, what was it about his approach that allowed him to connect with artists across different genres, ages, and nationalities?
Dr. Goodman: Quincy Jones had a unique ability to see beyond the conventions that often divide the music industry. He valued quality and authenticity over style or genre. His openness to collaboration, whether it was working with jazz musicians, pop stars, or orchestras, allowed him to create groundbreaking projects. This inclusivity not only enriched his own music but also paved the way for future generations of artists.
Editor: His partnership with Claude Nobs at the Montreux Jazz Festival was particularly special. Can you elaborate on how their friendship influenced the festival’s development and Quincy’s work?
Dr. Goodman: Absolutely! Claude Nobs was a visionary in his own right, and his deep appreciation for music matched Quincy’s passion. Together, they created a nurturing environment at the festival where artists could experiment and innovate. Their friendship was built on mutual respect and a shared love for music, which encouraged diverse collaborations. Quincy often stated that Claude was like a ”brother from another mother”; their synergy brought the Montreux Festival to life and made it a premier platform for musical exploration.
Editor: It’s fascinating to hear how personal relationships can impact artistic endeavors. Looking back at Quincy’s career, do you think his ability to surprise audiences played a key role in his sustained relevance?
Dr. Goodman: Without a doubt! Quincy was a master of reinvention. He consistently pushed the envelope, unafraid to take risks with his music. Whether it was introducing orchestral arrangements in pop music or blending different genres, he surprised his audiences at every turn. This fearless creativity kept his work fresh and relevant, allowing him to connect with new listeners while maintaining the loyalty of long-time fans.
Editor: As the festival honors Quincy Jones, what do you think his legacy means for aspiring musicians today?
Dr. Goodman: Quincy’s legacy is a powerful reminder for aspiring musicians: never be afraid to break boundaries and challenge norms. He demonstrated that collaboration is key—working with diverse artists can lead to something unique and beautiful. Additionally, his commitment to quality and emotional connection in music serves as an enduring inspiration. Young musicians can learn so much from his journey about the importance of passion, creativity, and openness in their work.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Goodman, for sharing your insights on Quincy Jones and his profound impact on the music industry. As we celebrate his contributions at the Montreux Jazz Festival, it’s clear that his spirit will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.
Dr. Goodman: Thank you for having me! It’s always a joy to discuss such an iconic figure in music history. Let’s continue to celebrate his legacy for years to come!
