Quincy Jones, a legendary figure in the world of music, was remembered by close friend Thierry Amsallem after the news of his passing on Monday. For decades, Jones made an indelible mark on music, with a legacy that extended across genres and cultures, most notably through his longstanding involvement with the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Recalling their vibrant collaborations, Amsallem described how, long after the official Montreux shows by Lake Geneva ended, Jones would lead groups of musicians up the mountainside to a chalet in Caux. There, at the home of Montreux founder Claude Nobs and Amsallem, jam sessions would often stretch until dawn, buzzing with creativity and musical camaraderie. “For him, it was happiness,” Amsallem explained. “Musicians share a common language; they understand each other.” He described Jones as someone who brought a unique “electricity” to every gathering. The chalet itself is filled with musical memorabilia from festival icons, including a cherished trumpet from Jones himself.
Amsallem spoke of Jones as “from another planet,” praising his unique artistry and spirit. “Something always happened when Quincy was there,” he said, adding that their friendship of 35 years made his passing especially difficult. “The last words he said to me were, ‘Thierry, keep going, keep going.’” To honor Jones, Montreux erected a bronze statue of him, arms spread wide as if conducting an unseen orchestra—an enduring symbol of his musical influence.
Jones, who was driven to transcend the boundaries of jazz, particularly disliked seeing the genre labeled as an exclusive “shoe box” for Black musicians. Amsallem noted Jones’ dedication to broadening Montreux’s appeal by opening it up to all musical styles, bringing a dynamic range of artists into the fold. This inclusive vision helped transform Montreux into a global symbol of musical diversity.
One of Jones’ defining moments at Montreux came in 1991 when he invited jazz legend Miles Davis to perform just months before Davis passed away. Jones conducted that unforgettable concert, which won them a Grammy Award, serving as a testament to his commitment to musical excellence and collaboration.
Through his work, Quincy Jones not only shaped Montreux Jazz Festival but redefined music for generations. His spirit lives on in the heart of Montreux, where artists and fans alike continue to celebrate the music that he helped bring to life.
READ MORE: