Elton John Wants ‘Something Positive’ to Come of Quincy Jones’ Death, Plans to ‘Really Give Back’

Elton John was devastated by the death of Quincy Jones on November 3, and plans on modeling the next phase of his career on the legendary producer as he eyes up some exciting projects and looks to mentor young talent through 2025 and beyond. 

“Quincy Jones’ passing impacted a lot of people because of how wide-ranging his career was,” says a source in the “Rocketman” singer’s world, “but Elton was particularly shaken by the news and is determined to make something positive of it.” 

Wide-ranging is an understatement to describe Quincy’s storied career in the music biz, having worked with superstars from the likes of Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson. The producer and artist died in his Los Angeles home at age 91.

Elton, 77, shared a touching post alongside a picture of the two of them at an Oscar-viewing party on Instagram, writing: “Nobody had a career as incredible as Quincy Jones. He played with the best and he produced the best. What a guy. Loved him.”

Quincy’s family also released a statement about his death, saying, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

The music legend’s family also recognized that Quincy’s friends, like Elton, are ready to carry on his spirit. “We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created,” they added.

The source says that now Elton is “ready to truly settle into an ‘elder statesman’ role in the music business,” assuming a role Quincy had occupied, “where he uses his platform to boost younger musicians, mentor emerging stars, and most importantly, turn his fans onto new ideas and new music.”

True to form, the five-time Grammy winner has been plugging some lesser-known musicians on his “Rocket Hour Radio” podcast, highlighting his 20 favorite songs every year from a repertoire far deeper than a top 40 hit list.

“This is what Quincy did in his prime,” the source continues, “and Elton sees that role for himself, especially since his health has put touring and recording out of the question for the moment.” 

“It’s really a return to Elton’s roots, because he considers himself a music fan more than anything, and his podcast has allowed him to share his taste with a global audience. Elton’s legacy is secure, and he has more money than he knows what to do with, but he’s also a very spiritual person and wants to devote the rest of his artistic career to really giving back to the art form that made him famous.” 

“He’s raised tens of millions for charity over the years but hyping and mentoring young artists like Phoebe Bridgers or Nothing But Thieves’ lead singer Conor Mason guarantees that Elton will be remembered for more than his own hit songs and decades of massive popularity.”