In a recent episode of the talk show David Letterman, Quincy Jones joined the host for an entertaining and enlightening conversation. The legendary music producer and composer shared his experiences and insights, captivating the audience with his stories and anecdotes.
One of the highlights of the interview was when Jones discussed his long-standing friendship with rapper Snoop Dogg. “Snoop Dogg is here and he’ll be singing your music later, is that right?” asked Letterman. Jones confirmed, recalling how he has known the rapper for a long time. He reminisced about their early days in St Louis and praised Snoop Dogg, describing him as a “beautiful man.”
The conversation then delved into Jones’s upbringing in Chicago and his ambitious dreams of becoming a gangster. Jones shared that his father worked as a carpenter for the notorious black gangsters known as the Jones boys. However, instead of following his father’s footsteps, Jones found solace and salvation in music. At 11 years old, he had a life-changing encounter with a piano, which sparked his lifelong passion for music.
While Jones is known for his proficiency in playing multiple instruments, his core skill lies in composition, orchestration, and arrangement. Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous iconic musicians, including Count Basie and Ray Charles. Jones fondly recounted his time with Ray Charles, highlighting their collaboration on projects like “In the Heat of the Night” and symphonic arrangements.
One of the most memorable moments of the interview was when Jones discussed his work with Frank Sinatra. In 1964, Jones arranged the famous song “Fly Me to the Moon,” which Sinatra recorded and later played on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission with astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Reflecting on his experiences with both Basie and Sinatra, Jones acknowledged that he was incredibly fortunate to have worked with such talented individuals.
The conversation then took a lighthearted turn when Snoop Dogg joined the stage to perform his rendition of Quincy Jones‘s hit song “Get the Funk Out of My Face.” The audience enthusiastically engaged with Snoop Dogg‘s energetic performance, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Quincy Jones‘s appearance on David Letterman‘s talk show was an incredible showcase of his remarkable career and musical contributions. From his early gangster aspirations to his dynamic collaborations with legendary artists like Basie, Charles, and Sinatra, Jones’s journey is one that embodies the spirit of determination and passion for music.
As the episode came to a close, the audience was left in awe and appreciation for Quincy Jones‘s immense talent and the unforgettable performance by Snoop Dogg. The episode was a true testament to the power of music and its ability to captivate and unite people from all walks of life.
