Queen Latifah carried out at the 2025 Academy Awards tonight (March 2), the place she sang The Wiz tune “Ease on Down the Highway” in a tribute to Quincy Jones. Surrounded by dozens of dancers, Latifah donned a gold robe and walked across the stage whereas belting out the musical quantity. Introducing the phase had been Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. “Once we discuss Black excellence, we’re speaking about Quincy,” stated Goldberg, who then highlighted how he was the primary Black composer nominated within the Unique Track class, again in 1967. Watch a replay of the efficiency under.
Jones died on November 3, 2024 on the age of 91. Although he was greatest generally known as a 28-time Grammy Award winner for his unequalled contributions to music as a producer, songwriter, and bandleader, Jones was additionally a composer and producer for movie as effectively, composing scores for The Colour Purple, In Chilly Blood, The Wiz, and lots of extra.
Earlier within the night, the Oscars additionally slated a James Bond tribute sung by Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye; and a medley of songs impressed by The Wizard of Oz, as sung by Depraved co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Follow all of Pitchfork’s coverage of the 2025 Academy Awards.
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