Quincy Jones Pays Homage to Aretha Franklin: The Hidden Genius of ‘Tribute to A.F.-RO’

In the annals of popular music, few figures have had as profound an influence as Quincy Jones. A true musical pioneer whose career spans over seven decades, Jones has continually shaped the sound of contemporary music. Whether collaborating with Michael Jackson on Thriller, conducting the iconic voices of We Are the World, or contributing his expertise to The Weeknd’s Dawn FM, Jones remains a living legend whose work transcends eras and genres.

His musical journey began in the 1950s, when he played trumpet in the bands of jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Harold Arlen. It wasn’t long before his talents as a composer and arranger earned him a prominent position as one of the first Black record executives in the United States, serving as vice-president of Mercury Records in 1961. Yet, Jones’ ambitions extended beyond the boardroom, as he went on to compose memorable film scores, including those for In the Heat of the Night and The Italian Job, while also working with some of the biggest names in music, including Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.

By the 1970s, Jones had cemented his status as a musical powerhouse, producing iconic tracks like Leslie Gore’s ‘You Don’t Own Me’ and helming his own solo albums that blended classical, jazz, and R&B. His 1973 album You’ve Got It Bad Girl is a prime example of his genius, showcasing a fusion of old and new, with Jones reinterpreting classic songs through his unique musical lens.

But one of the most remarkable moments in You’ve Got It Bad Girl comes with the third track, ‘Tribute to A.F.-RO,’ a medley honoring two towering figures in soul music—Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack. Released nearly 50 years ago, this song remains a testament to Jones’ artistry, a lush, seven-minute track that blends the best of both artists’ distinctive styles.

The medley weaves together Franklin’s ‘Day Dreaming,’ from her 1972 album Young, Gifted, and Black, and Flack’s rendition of ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,’ a massive hit in 1972 that dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks. Jones combines his signature jazz-inflected arrangements with samba rhythms, light flute work, and his own trumpet playing, creating a smooth yet dynamic backdrop for his personal vocal contributions. At times, Jones sings, and at other moments, he speaks in a spoken word style, paying homage to the soul divas with a level of reverence that only someone of his caliber could achieve.

‘Tribute to A.F.-RO’ is much more than a tribute; it’s an exploration of the emotional depth and musical ingenuity that made both Franklin and Flack legends in their own right. Franklin’s powerful, brassy style meets Flack’s ethereal, melodic grace in a fusion that’s both seamless and striking. Jones’ vision bridges the soulful soundscape of the early 70s with his classical and jazz influences, creating something timeless.

As we revisit this hidden gem in Jones’ extensive catalog, we are reminded of his unparalleled ability to merge genres, cultures, and voices. Nearly half a century after its release, ‘Tribute to A.F.-RO’ remains one of the most beautiful and underappreciated odes to two of the greatest vocalists in music history. And as Quincy Jones continues to inspire across generations, this track stands as a shining example of his genius, capturing the essence of Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack, and elevating their legacies in ways only Quincy Jones could.