Will Smith remembers his long-time mentor and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air producer Quincy Jones.

“Quincy Jones is the true definition of a mentor, a father and a friend,” Smith wrote alongside a photo of him and Jones on the website Fresh Prince The set was shared via Instagram on Monday, November 4th. “He made me aware of the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He encouraged me. He gave me courage. He inspired me. He checked on me when necessary. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.”

Although Smith, 56, is now a renowned actor and Oscar winner, his big break as an actor came in the 1990s when he starred in the series Fresh Princewhich aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996 and was produced initially by Jones' Quincy Jones Entertainment and later by Quincy Jones-David Salzman Entertainment.

Jones also composed the hit sitcom's iconic theme song, sung by Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

The legendary music producer, his publicist, died on Sunday, November 3, at his home in the Bel Air area of ​​Los Angeles Arnold Robinson said, per multiple outlets including The Hollywood Reporter and the Associated Press.

“Tonight it is with full but broken hearts that we must bear the news of the passing of our father and brother Quincy Jones. And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he led and know there will never be another like him,” Jones' family said in a statement.

Jones was best known for his work with Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin And Frank Sinatra. He produced Jackson's thrillerthe best-selling album of all time.

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Quincy Jones was not only a legendary record producer, but also a proud father. The music giant welcomed seven children before passing away in November 2024 at the age of 91. “Tonight it is with full but broken hearts that we must bear the news of the death of our father and brother Quincy Jones.” And while this is an incredible loss (…)

“Today we say goodbye to the legendary Quincy Jones – a musical giant whose genius changed our world and left a lasting legacy. Rest well, Quincy,” actor Morgan Freeman shared via X on Monday.

“Quincy Jones was music for decades. From producing thrillerto compose the score The color purpleto work with Frank Sinatra Ray Charles“It seemed like every major record – and every major film – had Quincy’s name on it,” the former US president said Barack Obama wrote about X.

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“His music appealed to listeners of all races and ages. And by building a career that took him from the streets of Chicago to the heights of Hollywood, Quincy paved the way for generations of Black executives to leave their mark on the entertainment business,” Obama continued. “Michelle and I send our thoughts to Quincy’s friends, family and everyone who lived their lives to his songs.”

Jones is survived by his children Jolie71, which he shared with his first wife, Jeri Caldwell, Martina58, and Quincy IIIwhich he shared with his second wife, an actress Ulla Andersson, Rachel61, which he shared with his ex-girlfriend Carol Reynolds, Kidada50, and actress Rashida48, which he shared with his third wife Peggy Liptonand daughter Kenya31, which he shared with his ex-girlfriend Nastassja Kinski.