Entertainment
Quincy Jones: The Maestro Who Shaped the Soundtrack of Our Lives
Orlando, FL (FNN) – Quincy Jones, the legendary producer, composer, and musician whose influence spanned over seven decades, passed away on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, at the age of 91. His death marks the end of an era in music, but the impact of his work will resonate for generations to come. Jones was not just an icon in jazz, pop, soul, and film—he was a true innovator whose genius shaped the very foundation of modern music. Through his groundbreaking collaborations, visionary productions, and ability to blend genres, he redefined the way we experience music and created an enduring legacy that continues to inspire artists across the world.
The statement from Jones’ family beautifully sums up his legacy: “He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; 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.” Quincy Jones’ profound influence extends beyond the music itself—it’s reflected in his family, his collaborators, and the countless lives he touched over the years.
A Legendary Career, Built Over 70 Years
Quincy Jones began his career as a gifted musician and arranger in the 1950s, working alongside jazz greats like Ray Charles, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. By the 1960s, he had evolved into one of the most sought-after producers, composers, and arrangers in the music industry. Jones’ groundbreaking work as a producer during this time helped shape the sound of the era. His ability to cross genres—from jazz to pop, from soul to funk—was unmatched. He crafted timeless records for artists like Aretha Franklin, George Benson, and Donna Summer, songs that would remain staples of the American musical landscape for decades.
In the 1960s, Jones also began scoring films, with his work on Sidney Poitier’s In the Heat of the Night (1967) and In Cold Blood (1967) showcasing his ability to bring the same level of depth and innovation to film scoring as he did to music production. His film scores further cemented his reputation as a true pioneer in both the music and film industries.
The King of Pop and the Birth of Thriller
Perhaps the most famous chapter in Jones’ career came in the 1980s, when he collaborated with Michael Jackson on the historic Thriller album. Released in 1982, Thriller became the best-selling album of all time and transformed the music industry. It was Jones’ innovative production techniques, his mastery of sound, and his ability to bring out the best in Jackson’s artistry that helped Thriller become the global phenomenon it remains today. Hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the title track not only defined an era but also set new standards for what a pop album could achieve.
Their collaboration on Thriller became the gold standard for music production, with Jones pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the studio. But Jones’ influence didn’t stop with pop. His work as a producer for artists like Donna Summer, George Benson, and Lesley Gore helped shape the sound of soul, funk, and R&B throughout the 1960s and 1970s. From We Are the World (1985) to his early work with jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Jones was the guiding force behind the soundtracks to countless cultural moments.
Quincy Jones: A Bridge Between Genres and Generations
One of Jones’ greatest contributions to music was his ability to bridge genres and inspire a wide range of artists. His influence extended beyond the musicians he worked with directly; his signature sound continues to permeate contemporary music across genres. For example, hip-hop artists, who often sample older tracks to create new sounds, have drawn heavily from Jones’ catalog, often without even realizing it. Jones’ influence runs deep in the DNA of hip-hop—his innovative, genre-blending style laid the groundwork for countless rap producers and artists.
Tupac Shakur, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, sampled Jones’ 1974 song “Body Heat” for his hit “How Do U Want It.” The track, from Jones’ Body Heat album, was a smooth blend of jazz, funk, and R&B that became a key example of his ability to create timeless grooves. Tupac’s decision to sample this song speaks to the lasting appeal of Jones’ music, which continues to inspire and influence artists in unexpected ways.
Jones’ influence on hip-hop doesn’t stop there. The legendary New York rap duo Mobb Deep sampled Jones’ 1971 “Dollars” cue “Kitty With the Bent Frame” for their iconic song “Shook Ones, Part II.” The track, which became one of the most defining songs in East Coast hip-hop, subtly integrates Jones’ jazz influence, showcasing how his work has crossed into the genre of rap and helped shape its sound.
Ludacris, too, looked to Quincy Jones for inspiration when he sampled Jones’ signature track “Soul Bossa Nova” (1962) for his 2004 song “Number One Spot.” The catchy, upbeat track, which was originally part of Jones’ Big Band Bossa Nova album, has become one of his most recognizable compositions and continues to serve as a musical touchstone for new generations of artists.
A Legacy of Cultural Leadership and Philanthropy
Beyond his musical achievements, Quincy Jones was deeply committed to supporting cultural institutions and initiatives that elevated the African American community. He was an ardent supporter and council member of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), an institution that he helped bring to life. In 2016, Jones organized a special concert to celebrate the museum’s opening, bringing together a roster of artists and performers to honor the history and contributions of African Americans throughout the arts.
Jones was also a dedicated advocate for education and philanthropy. In 2005, he was honored with the UNCF Award of Excellence for his unwavering support of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and its member institutions. The prestigious award recognizes individuals who combine artistic excellence with a commitment to supporting educational access and opportunity for young African Americans. Jones’ advocacy for the UNCF was part of his broader mission to ensure that underrepresented communities had access to the resources and platforms they needed to succeed. His legacy as a philanthropist and cultural ambassador is as powerful as his musical contributions.
Source: People Magazine
A Family of Creatives
Quincy Jones’ legacy extends beyond his work in music and culture to the next generation of creatives—his own children. Several of his seven children have followed in his footsteps, carving out careers in the entertainment industry. His most famous daughter, Rashida Jones, has built a successful career as an actress, comedian, and writer, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and The Office. Rashida’s creativity extends beyond acting—she co-directed the 2018 Grammy-winning documentary Quincy, which provided an intimate look at her father’s life and career, and also explored his health struggles, including a diabetic coma he experienced in 2015.
Other children of Quincy Jones have also followed creative paths. Kidada Jones, his daughter with actress Peggy Lipton, pursued a career as a model, designer, and actress, becoming a prominent figure in the fashion world. Quincy Jones III, a son from his marriage to Ulla Andersson, made his mark in the music industry as a music producer and film executive. These children, along with their siblings, carry on the family’s artistic legacy, and their work continues to reflect the diverse and rich cultural foundation their father laid.
Despite his global stature and countless accolades, Quincy Jones remained a deeply involved father, and his influence on his children is clear. They, too, carry forward the essence of his passion for creativity, culture, and service to others.
The Heartbeat of Music
Jones’ legacy will undoubtedly be measured in his countless Grammy Awards—28 in total—and his record-breaking achievements in the music industry. But what makes his influence so profound is not just the awards or the hits; it is the way his music touched lives. His compositions were more than just songs—they were expressions of joy, pain, love, and hope. His music carried people through the most challenging of times, and his collaborations with other great artists created some of the most memorable tracks in music history.
Jones’ family expressed this sentiment best: “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.” It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose influence transcended time and genre. Quincy Jones didn’t just create music; he crafted a legacy that will continue to shape the world for years to come.
As we say goodbye to this icon, we celebrate his immense contributions to music, his love for his family, and the joy he brought to the world. Quincy Jones’ legacy is not just in the music he made but in the hearts and lives of everyone who heard it. His heartbeat, indeed, will echo for eternity.
________________________________________________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
Miss Texas, Miss Utah and Miss New Jersey Win 2026 Miss America Preliminary Talent Awards
Miss Texas, Miss Utah and Miss New Jersey earn Miss America talent honors as national competition heads into championship weekend
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — The Miss America Organization announced the 2026 Miss America and Miss America’s Teen Kawai Pianos Preliminary Talent Award winners following the Miss America’s Got Talent competition at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.
The Sept. 3 competition showcased the talents of delegates competing for the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen titles, with performances spanning a range of artistic disciplines.
Miss America preliminary talent winners Miss Texas Regan Hutsell, Miss Utah Erika Dalton and Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright celebrate after receiving Kawai Pianos Preliminary Talent Awards during the Miss America’s Got Talent competition in West Palm Beach, Florida. Source Miss America
Miss America Preliminary Talent Award Winners
Three Miss America delegates received Kawai Pianos Preliminary Talent Awards, with each winner earning a $3,000 scholarship:
- Miss Texas Regan Hutsell
- Miss Utah Erika Dalton
- Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright
The awards recognize artistry, creativity, discipline and dedication demonstrated during the preliminary talent competition.
Miss America’s Teen preliminary talent winners Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson, Miss Oregon’s Teen Aria Christensen and Miss New Hampshire’s Teen Kendall Laroche celebrate with their Kawai Pianos Preliminary Talent Awards during the national competition in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Miss America’s Teen Preliminary Talent Award Winners
Three Miss America’s Teen delegates also earned preliminary talent honors. Each receives a $1,500 scholarship:
- Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson
- Miss Oregon’s Teen Aria Christensen
- Miss New Hampshire’s Teen Kendall Laroche
The six preliminary awards provide a combined $13,500 in scholarships.
Seven Judges Evaluate Miss America Talent Competition
The preliminary talent performances were evaluated by a seven-member judging panel representing entertainment and the performing arts.
Judges included Alida Michal, Brooklyn Mack, Jill Twiss, J. Harrison Ghee, Lora Drasner, Shelly Bramhall and Marisha Wallace.
The talent competition remains a central component of the Miss America program, giving delegates an opportunity to demonstrate performance ability while competing for scholarship awards.
Miss America Championship Weekend Continues in West Palm Beach
The national competition continues Saturday, Sept. 5, with the Miss America’s Teen Final at 7 p.m.
The Miss America Final follows Sunday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m., when the organization is scheduled to crown the 99th Miss America.
Both events are being held at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach as The Palm Beaches hosts the national competition.
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Entertainment
Tom Cruise Announces ‘Days of Thunder’ 2 With Anne Hathaway, Surprises NASCAR Fans at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise brought movie-star electricity to Daytona International Speedway, surprising NASCAR fans, meeting drivers and officially putting Cole Trickle back on the starting grid.
More than three decades after Cruise raced onto movie screens in the NASCAR classic “Days of Thunder,” the 64-year-old actor returned to the “World Center of Racing” during the 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend to announce that he will reprise his iconic role in the highly anticipated sequel.
The new Paramount Pictures film is scheduled to race into theaters June 2, 2028, nearly 38 years after the original. Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway will star opposite Cruise as a NASCAR team owner and engineer.
But Cruise did more than announce another Hollywood blockbuster at Daytona.
Florida National News cameras captured the excitement and energy surrounding Cruise’s surprise appearance, including the megastar connecting with NASCAR fans, posing for photos and selfies, sharing hugs and spending time around the racing community.
For fans who arrived expecting the speed and drama of the Coke Zero Sugar 400, suddenly seeing — and even talking with — one of Hollywood’s biggest stars became a dream-of-a-lifetime moment.
Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise smiles and waves while making an appearance at Daytona International Speedway during NASCAR race weekend. Photo Credit: Arthur Dell Morgan / Florida National News
Cole Trickle Is Coming Back
Cruise first played talented but hotheaded NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in the original “Days of Thunder,” released in 1990.
Now, Cole Trickle is coming back.
Cruise announced the sequel from Daytona on Saturday, Aug. 29, hours before the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale.
Cruise will star and produce alongside longtime collaborator Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Bruckheimer also produced the original film.
Jonathan Levine, whose directing credits include “50/50,” “Warm Bodies” and “Long Shot,” is set to direct from a screenplay by Will Staples.
The film is being developed for a major theatrical release, including IMAX and other premium formats.
Paramount’s promotional materials currently call the film simply “Days of Thunder,” although the project is widely being referred to as “Days of Thunder 2.”
Days of Thunder. Summer 2028. pic.twitter.com/rD3QLXfUyi
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) August 29, 2026
Anne Hathaway Joins Cruise at Daytona
Cruise won’t return to the NASCAR world alone.
Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway will co-star as a NASCAR team owner and engineer, marking the first major on-screen collaboration between the two Hollywood stars.
Hathaway joined Cruise at Daytona for the announcement, with the two posing beside a green-and-yellow race car carrying Cole Trickle’s name and “Days of Thunder” branding.
Hathaway is known for blockbuster and critically acclaimed films including “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Les Misérables,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Interstellar” and “The Princess Diaries.”
Plot details remain under wraps, including where audiences will find Cole Trickle nearly four decades after the original movie.
Cruise Meets NASCAR Drivers
Cruise didn’t simply announce the movie and leave.
He attended the NASCAR Cup Series pre-race drivers’ meeting ahead of the Coke Zero Sugar 400, addressing a room filled with NASCAR drivers and racing industry figures.
Bruckheimer, Harper and Staples also attended.
Cruise reflected on filming the original movie at Daytona, including the risks of shooting racing sequences at high speeds.
He also made clear that the sequel will be about more than cars traveling nearly 200 mph.
Cruise told the NASCAR community that the original “Days of Thunder” sought to capture something special about racers and the culture surrounding them.
For the new film, Cruise said the filmmakers want audiences to understand NASCAR as a team, a community and a culture, while also experiencing the speed, excitement and danger of the sport.
That message could prove central to the sequel as Cruise and the filmmakers attempt to introduce a new generation of moviegoers to NASCAR.
Cruise Honors Late NASCAR Champion Kyle Busch
One of Cruise’s most poignant Daytona moments came during the drivers’ meeting.
Cruise sat beside an empty chair bearing the name of late two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, who died in May.
Photos from the gathering showed Cruise reaching over and patting the empty seat before looking down in a quiet gesture of respect.
The moment resonated with NASCAR fans as tributes to Busch have continued throughout the racing community.
It also carried an added connection to Cruise’s racing movie legacy: “Days of Thunder” was reportedly one of Busch’s favorite racing films.
Amid the excitement surrounding a major Hollywood announcement, Cruise’s simple gesture provided a solemn moment of remembrance for one of NASCAR’s biggest stars.
Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise makes an appearance at Daytona International Speedway during the 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400, embracing NASCAR community and fans. Photo Credit: Arthur Dell Morgan / Florida National News
FNN Captures Cruise Showing NASCAR Fans Love
Outside the drivers’ meeting, Cruise’s interaction with fans became one of the most memorable parts of his Daytona appearance.
Florida National News video and photo coverage captured Cruise up close as he greeted NASCAR fans, stopped for selfies, shared hugs and talked with spectators.
The reaction was immediate.
Phones went up. Fans gathered. Smiles spread through the crowd.
Cruise wasn’t simply a Hollywood celebrity watching the race from a distance. Fans got an opportunity to see one of the world’s most recognizable movie stars up close.
Some got photographs.
Others got a handshake, a hug or a few words with the megastar.
For longtime Cruise fans who have watched him on movie screens for decades, suddenly standing face-to-face with him at Daytona transformed an already memorable NASCAR weekend into something personal.
A selfie. A hug. A handshake. A conversation with Tom Cruise.
For many, it was the kind of dream-of-a-lifetime encounter they never expected when they arrived at Daytona International Speedway.
And FNN cameras were there to capture it.
Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise visits with NASCAR drivers and members of the racing community during the 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
Photo Credit: Arthur Dell Morgan / Florida National News
Cruise Takes in the NASCAR Experience
Cruise immersed himself in NASCAR’s pre-race atmosphere after addressing the drivers.
He made his way toward the starting grid for pre-race ceremonies, getting an up-close look at the drivers, teams, cars and crews preparing for one of NASCAR’s biggest nights.
The experience offered Cruise and the filmmakers another opportunity to observe modern NASCAR firsthand as they prepare to bring Cole Trickle back to the big screen.
That authenticity could become especially important for a movie Cruise says will focus not only on racing, but also on the people and teamwork behind it.
From ‘Risky Business’ to ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
Cruise’s Daytona appearance brought one of the world’s most successful movie stars directly into the heart of NASCAR.
Over more than four decades, Cruise has starred in some of Hollywood’s most recognizable films, including:
- “Risky Business”
- “Top Gun”
- “Rain Man”
- “A Few Good Men”
- “Jerry Maguire”
- the blockbuster “Mission: Impossible” franchise
- “Top Gun: Maverick”
- and “Days of Thunder.”
His reputation for high-energy action movies and performing ambitious practical stunts makes his return to a racing film particularly intriguing.
Cruise even recalled at Daytona how dangerous filming the original could become, describing an incident in which the race car he was driving caught fire while cameras were rolling.
‘Days of Thunder’ Became a NASCAR Favorite
Directed by the late Tony Scott, the original “Days of Thunder” followed Trickle as he entered NASCAR and learned to harness his raw talent and aggression with the help of veteran crew chief Harry Hogge, played by Robert Duvall.
The movie also starred Nicole Kidman, Randy Quaid, Michael Rooker, Cary Elwes and John C. Reilly.
Although its initial critical reception was mixed, the movie developed an enduring following, particularly among NASCAR fans.
More than three decades later, Cole Trickle, his No. 46 race car and the movie’s depiction of NASCAR remain recognizable pieces of racing pop culture.
Can Cruise Repeat the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Magic?
Cruise’s decision to return as Cole Trickle inevitably draws comparisons with another enormously successful return to one of his signature roles.
In 2022, Cruise returned as Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in “Top Gun: Maverick,” 36 years after the original “Top Gun.”
The sequel became a worldwide blockbuster and the biggest box-office success of Cruise’s career.
Now Cruise and Bruckheimer are returning to another movie from their past.
“Days of Thunder” will arrive nearly 38 years after the original — giving Cruise another opportunity to introduce an iconic character to a new generation while bringing longtime fans back to the theater.
Days of Thunder. Summer 2028. pic.twitter.com/l7tWBQVONm
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) August 29, 2026
Daytona Provides the Perfect Stage
Few places could have provided a more fitting backdrop for Cruise’s announcement than Daytona International Speedway.
Daytona played an important role in the original movie, and Cruise filmed racing sequences at the legendary track.
Nearly four decades later, he returned to the “World Center of Racing” to tell NASCAR that Cole Trickle is coming back.
Cruise met drivers, addressed the NASCAR community, honored Kyle Busch and connected personally with race fans before the Coke Zero Sugar 400.
Hours later, the real racing delivered its own Hollywood-style ending as Ryan Preece captured the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in overtime, earning his first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series victory.
From Daytona Back to the Big Screen
Many questions about the new “Days of Thunder” remain unanswered.
The complete cast has not been announced. The storyline remains under wraps. NASCAR’s precise role in the production has not been fully detailed.
But several major pieces are now on the starting grid:
Tom Cruise is returning as Cole Trickle.
Anne Hathaway is joining him as a NASCAR team owner and engineer.
Jerry Bruckheimer is producing.
Jonathan Levine is directing.
And “Days of Thunder” is scheduled to race into theaters June 2, 2028.
For NASCAR fans at Daytona, however, the movie announcement was only part of the story.
They got Tom Cruise in person.
They watched one of Hollywood’s biggest stars step into their racing world, meet NASCAR drivers, honor a fallen champion and show fans some love.
For some, the unexpected opportunity to see, hug, photograph or simply exchange a few words with Cruise became a memory of a lifetime.
And Florida National News was on the scene to capture the excitement, energy and star power as Hollywood met NASCAR at Daytona.
WATCH FNN VIDEO: Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise connects with NASCAR fans at Daytona International Speedway as he announces the highly anticipated return of “Days of Thunder.”
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