The 54-year-old rapper-singer performed a rendition of the song Ease on Down the Road at the Oscars 2025.
Quincy Jones passed away in November 2024. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
The 97th Academy Awards, which took place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, was filled with some of the unforgettable moments. Among them, the most emotionally stirring highlight was Queen Latifah paying tribute to the late music legend Quincy Jones. On Sunday, March 2, the musical powerhouse took to the stage performing a rendition of the song Ease on Down the Road, which featured in the 1975 Broadway musical The Wiz, starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
The 54-year-old rapper-turned-actress, donning a shimmery gold dress, delivered an electrifying performance backed by a chorus of singers and high-energy background dancers. The show-stopping tribute even left the stars in the audience on their feet. Celebrities like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Colman Domingo were seen grooving along with the infectious beats of the song.
Before Queen Latifah’s performance, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg took the stage to share some heartfelt words for the late producer. The trio had worked in the 1985 coming-of-age drama, The Color Purple. The film, which is set to mark its 40th anniversary this year, was directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Quincy Jones.
Oprah paid her tribute to the legendary producer, saying, “The man, our beloved Q, had an equally powerful impact on the world of film as a composer and producer.” Following this, Whoopi Goldberg added, “When we talk about Black excellence, we’re talking about Quincy. In 1967, Quincy Jones was the first Black composer nominated in the original song category for ‘The Eyes of Love’ in the film ‘Banning.’ 1967 was the first time. Just keep that in mind.”
The legendary Quincy Jones, a pioneering composer and producer, passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91. With 28 Grammy wins and seven Academy Award nominations, he left behind an unparalleled legacy. Just days after he passed away, he was honoured at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ Governors Awards. Back in June 2024, the Academy announced that Quincy would receive an honorary Oscar to recognise his contribution to films through his music.
At the 67th Grammy Awards, which took place on February 2, Quincy Jones received a series of heartfelt tributes from various celebrities. Cynthia Erivo and Herbie Hancock first took the stage to honour the late music legend as well as the victims of the devastating LA wildfires which ravaged the state in early January. Following the two stars, other celebs, including Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monae and Lainey Wilson, also paid tribute to the legendary musician.
