Paul Weller, Corinne Bailey Rae To Perform At Quincy Jones’ 85th Birthday Party
Paul Weller, Corrine Bailey Rae and Mark Ronson are just a few of the star names appearing at Quincy Jones’ 85th birthday concert at London’s O2 Arena.
Paul Weller and Corinne Bailey Rae are among the stars confirmed for Quincy Jones’ 85th birthday celebration concert at London’s O2 Arena on 27 June.
The legendary producer and composer – who turned 85 on 14 March – will be joined by an array of artists as he looks back on his career in music spanning six decades.
Among the artists joining Weller and Bailey Rae in paying tribute will be Mark Ronson, Jess Glynne, Jack Savoretti, Beverly Knight, Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall and Caro Emerald.
Quincy Jones’ revered back catalogue, including Michael Jackson’s Thriller and ‘Billie Jean’ and his arrangement of Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me To The Moon’, will be performed live by the various musicians backed by a symphony orchestra, using the original arrangements from his very own vault in Los Angeles. Jones will also take part in a Q&A about his life and career.
Speaking about his return to the UK for the one-off show, titled ‘Quincy Jones: A Life In Song’, Jones said: “For many years, I couldn’t play in the UK because the unions wouldn’t allow Americans to do concerts there.
“Finally, it worked out for us to go in ’96 for a tribute to Nelson Mandela, and I conducted a show at the Royal Albert Hall with Phil Collins, Tony Bennett, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbulu, and many other talented performers.
“I’ll never forget standing on the stage thinking that, after waiting 30 years, I was finally able to perform in such a historic venue. Anyways, it was a long time coming, so every time I get to return to the UK, it’s truly meaningful; after not being allowed in at one point, you never take it for granted.”
The evening will be an “emotional” one for Quincy Jones, as he’ll be paying tribute to late Heatwave star Rod Temperton, who sadly passed away in 2016.
The ‘Boogie Nights’ hit maker was approached by Jones to help pen songs for Michael Jackson, and they went on to share a long partnership working together on ‘Rock With You’ Off The Wall and Thriller together.
“I know this show is going to be an emotional one for me because we’ll be doing a tribute to my brother Rod Temperton, on his home turf”, Quincy Jones said. “I love and miss him with all of my heart and soul, but I’m definitely looking forward to sharing such a special moment with his home country.”
Tickets for ‘Quincy Jones: A Life In Song’ are on sale from 9am on Friday, 13 April.
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