“He was a joy”: N'DIGO founder Hermene Hartman shares memories of Chicago native Quincy Jones

CHICAGO (WLS) – It's hard to find anyone in the music, television or film industry who doesn't have a connection to Quincy Jones.

Hermene Hartman, the founder of N'DIGO, a media pioneer and a legend in her own right, spoke of beautiful, loving memories of her longtime mentor and friend, with whom she spoke last week before his death.

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“He was love and creativity,” Hartman said. “His middle name was Joy and that was the right name for him. He was a joy and he was joy.”

Hartman met Jones in 1973 and maintained their friendship for five decades.

“Well, he was a genius first and foremost,” Hartman said. He was a musical genius, he was the maestro, but he was so creative and he was so enthusiastic, not just for himself… But when he saw talent, he was just drawn in and it was like, let me help you would like to develop myself further. Let's do this. Let’s do this.”

RELATED: Legendary music producer Quincy Jones dies at 91

Born on the South Side of Chicago, Jones said music saved him. He rose to the highest heights of show business and became one of the first black executives to achieve success in Hollywood.

The renowned music producer, composer, multi-genre artist and humanitarian has worked with all the greats.

During high school, he met his friend and collaborator Ray Charles.

In 1978, Jones produced the soundtrack for The Wiz, where he met entertainment legend Michael Jackson.

Their partnership led to Jackson's blockbuster album Thriller, which sold more than 100 million copies worldwide.

“The music world has lost a giant, but he influenced everyone. I called it from bebop to hip-hop,” Hartman said.

He was also the man behind the all-star charity single “We Are The World.”

Both a joker and a perfectionist, Hartman said he would be remembered as one of the greatest minds in music and television history.

“The projects were never finished,” Hartman said. “He never stopped and would tell you so. Don’t stop, whatever you do, don’t stop, just keep going.”

Quincy Jones died at the age of 91. Among his many honors, Jones received a National Medal of Arts, is an E-GOT honoree, and has won 28 Grammy Awards.

His family said he died peacefully at his home in Bel Air surrounded by his family.