N'DIGO founder Hermene Hartman shares memories of Quincy Jones: 'He was joy'
CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's tough to find anyone in the music, television or movie industries who didn't have some connection to Quincy Jones.
Hermene Hartman, the founder of N'DIGO, who is a pioneer in media and a legend herself, spoke of fond, loving memories with her long-time mentor and friend who she just talked to last week before his passing.
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"He was love, creativity," Hartman said. "His middle name was 'Delight,' and that was the proper name for him. He was a delight and he was joy."
Hartman met Jones in 1973 and continued their friendship for five decades.
At that point, Jones had already established himself as a visionary, a conductor collaborating with Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. He also produced TV and film scores.
"Well, he was a genius first of all," Hartman said. He was a musical genius, he was the maestro, but he was so creative and he was so enthused, not just for himself... But if he saw talent, he just gravitated and it was like, 'OK let me help you. Let me develop you. Let's do this. Let's do that.'"
Hartman said, "The music world has lost a giant, but he influenced everybody. I called him from bebop to hip-hop."
Fred Nelson agrees.
"He was the GOAT. The greatest of all time. I don't know if anyone can do it again like him," Nelson said.
Nelson was the musical director for Aretha Franklin and Jennifer Hudson and says Jones was a huge influence in his life.
RELATED: Legendary music producer Quincy Jones dies at 91
Nelson composed his own songs with a nod to Jones' genre-bending style.
"It had a little hip hop, had a little jazz, a little gospel. Also had music I did for a movie on there. And it was just me and that was what Quincy meant to me," Nelson said.
Nelson says his own passion project was an homage to Jones that their mutual friend, Hartman, played for him.
"The first thing he said to her was, 'This guy is from First Church of Deliverance in Bronzeville.' She said, 'How do you know that?' He said, 'I can just listen to it and tell,'" Nelson said.
Q, as Jones was known, was born in the Bronzeville neighborhood.
Jones talked candidly in this documentary about his childhood getting off to a rough start.
Jones discovered a love for music as a boy, and was soon touring as a trumpet player with jazz legends like Lionel Hampton.
He rose to the very heights of show business, becoming one of the first Black executives to succeed in Hollywood.
The renowned music producer, composer, multi-genre artist and humanitarian worked with all the greats.
He met his friend and collaborator, Ray Charles, during high school.
In 1978, Jones produced the soundtrack for the Wiz, where he met entertainment legend Michael Jackson.
Their partnership led to Jackson's Blockbuster "Thriller" album, which sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
"My favorite composition on that album is 'Human Nature,'" said Orbert Davis.
Davis is a local jazz musician and composer who had the chance to meet Jones 25 years ago, saying, thankfully, meeting his idol exceeded his expectations.
"He was just, gave me advice from being a trumpet player to a composer. He was amazing," Davis said.
Jones was also the man behind the all-star charity single "We Are The World."
Both a jokester and a perfectionist, Hartman said he'll be remembered as one of the greatest minds in music and television history.
"The projects never ended," Hartman said. "He never stopped and would tell you that. Don't stop, whatever you do, don't stop just keep on doing it."
Quincy Jones passed away at 91 years old. Among his many honors, Jones received a National Medal of Arts is an honorary E-GOT winner and has won 28 Grammy Awards.
His family said he died peacefully at his home in Bel Air, surrounded by family.
Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement on Jones' death, saying, "Quincy Jones was a true legend in the music industry. For seven decades he left his indelible mark on music and movies as a producer, songwriter, and composer. From collaborating on hits with Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, to creating unforgettable soundtracks for The Wiz and The Color Purple, Quincy Jones' legacy will be remembered for generations to come. His family, friends, and all those who loved him are in our prayers and hearts."
