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Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones

Hollywood, California -- 2013

Meeting Quincy Jones and listening to music with him felt like being touched by an angel.

My sweetie's business friend invited us to join him in his box seats at the Hollywood Bowl for the Playboy Jazz Festival. I was thrilled, since this was my first time attending this fabulous music event. Little did I know just what an exciting experience it would turn out to be!

Sunday's program included a tribute to Quincy Jones in celebration of his 80th birthday. About a half hour after we arrived, we noticed a ruckus happening at the end of the long row. Quincy Jones and his family were arriving at the festival. I was stunned when they were led to the box seats adjacent to ours, and Quincy sat down right next to me!

"Hello Mr. Jones," I whispered in his ear. "I am a professional saxophonist and I attended your alma mater, Berklee College of Music. I have admired you for a long time. May I have a photo?" Quincy smiled, nodded and gave me a thumbs up.


Quincy Jones

For the next 5 hours, we listened and chatted from time to time about the performers onstage. This was such a magical moment for me, sitting next to Quincy Jones while listening to another artist who profoundly influenced me, David Sanborn. I was so moved that tears welled up in my eyes several times.

Quincy Jones is such a kind and gifted man. I will never forget my evening with him at the Playboy Jazz Festival.

For more about Quincy Jones, visit http://www.quincyjones.com/about/.