Mark Ronson Reflects on Quincy Jones: Losing Him ‘Like a Black Hole Absorbing Part of the Music Universe’

Mark Ronson’s Tribute

Mark Ronson shared his tribute to the late Quincy Jones in his obituary.

• READ MORE: Quincy Jones, 1933–2024: The megaproducer who broke boundaries with a twinkle in his eye

Remembering Quincy Jones

Published Guardian yesterday (December 26), Ronson wrote extensively about his experience collaborating with Jones, who passed away in November at the age of 91.

He began by recalling a passage from Jones’ 2001 memoir, Question: Autobiography of Quincy Jones. In it, the producer, during a flourishing career in his mid-20s, decided to move to Paris to study music theory and composition.

“I dream of having that kind of courage,” Ronson reflected. “The courage to give up everything, leave the rat race, dive into theory and orchestration, and return as the Jedi music master, rather than freezing like a deer in the headlights on Abbey Road while conductors throw around terms that might as well be in Klingon.”

He remarked that Jones set an “impossible benchmark” for his long-standing career: “For producers and arrangers like me, he didn’t just raise the bar; he hid it so that no one could reach it.”

Ronson’s personal connection with Jones spans two decades, having been engaged to Jones’ daughter, Rashida, in the early 2000s. “He sent me warm notes over the years – he was especially fond of Amy (Winehouse) – and we used to hang out when I performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, his favorite spot,” Ronson remembered.

The duo collaborated on a song for the 2018 documentary Quincy, directed by Rashida. Ronson described a moment in the studio with Jones: “At one point I was stuck on a trumpet solo, take after take, and I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.”

“Quincy, who had been silent all day, finally said, ‘Tell him to try the mute cup.’ – Excuse me, Q? He nodded. ‘The cup is mute.’ The trumpeter took out a mute cup, and immediately the sound I was chasing appeared. Quincy knew – intuitively and spiritually – what I was looking for and what this song needed. He was a guru and a musical maestro.”

Ronson concluded: “Losing Quincy is like a black hole swallowing up part of the musical universe. But his work will live on forever, as will his lessons.” Read the full tribute here.

Rashida’s Heartfelt Speech

Last month, Rashida and her family received a lifetime achievement award for Jones, during which the actress read a speech that the producer had prepared before his passing.

“Our father passed away two weeks ago today. He was very happy to be here tonight, and many of his family members are present,” said Rashida, accompanied by her siblings. “…And he truly intended to be here with us tonight. And I want you to know that he is here, very present.”