Chaka Khan Headlines Musical Tribute To Quincy Jones At Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux Jazz festival kicked off its 59th edition on Friday 4th July with Chaka Khan's musical homage to 28-time Grammy Award winner Quincy Jones. Legendary Soulstress Chaka Khan led the tribute to Quincy Jones–former Ambassador and co-producer of the festival–who died last year aged 91. Held on the stunning Lake Stage overlooking magical Lake Geneva, the emotional celebration was a joyful opening night full of music and brimming with love for the legendary Music Producer who was instrumental in shaping the soul of Montreux Jazz Festival. Chaka Khan's tribute to Quincy set the tone for an extraordinary two-week programme of live music in Montreux, which ends on 19th July.
There was no more fitting way to open the 2025 Montreux Jazz Festival than by honouring the legacy of legendary American Music Producer Quincy Jones–who passed away last November–in a one-of-a-kind show created especially for Montreux and fronted by iconic Chicago-born singer Chaka Khan on the fourth of July–US Independence Day. Chaka was joined by several special guests with a link to Quincy to pay a musical tribute to their friend and mentor. The unique concert was streamed worldwide as part of the Festival's livestream programme.
MJF LAC. Scène du Lac. ChakaKhan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin
Following Chaka Khan's show stopping tribute to Quincy Jones, legendary folk singer Neil Young took to the stage on Sunday 6th July, and a host of world-class performers–including Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Grace Jones, as well as Pulp and Alanis Morissette (fresh from standout performances at Glastonbury)–will grace the Lake Stage for a lakeside swan song before the Festival returns to the Montreux Convention Centre in 2026 for its 60th edition.
After a first act featuring her greatest hits, kicking off with a storming rendition of hit I'm every woman , Chaka was joined on-stage by a host of special guests who have shared the stage or studio with Jones over the decades including; Siedah Garrett, Lalah Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson, Mica Paris, SEVEN, and Marc Sway. The starry ensemble of musicians covered multiple hit songs produced by Quincy including Man in the Mirror (which Grammy Award winning singer Siedah Garrett co-wrote), Give Me the Night and The Secret Garden , as well as Chaka tracks Tell Me Something Good to Do You Love What You Feel .
Chaka Khan's star wattage shone through her stage presence and powerful voice, which belied her 72 years and diminutive form, and she captivated the packed audience on the Lake Stage for an energy-filled set lasting more than three hours. The performance was titled To Q With Love –inspired by Frank Sinatra's affectionate nickname of 'Q' for Quincy–and a touching montage of archive footage featuring early performances by Chaka Khan, and images of the festival's founder Claude Nobs with Quincy, was introduced in a pre-recorded video message by Michelle Obama.
MJF LAC. Scène du Lac OST. Chaka Khan & Siedah Garrett © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin
Highlights of the magical evening–aside from Chaka's spellbinding performance–were emotion-filled renditions of Quincy hit records by Soul Queens Siedah Garrett, Mica Paris and Lalah Hathaway, and a joyful appearance by Swiss-Brazilian singer and percussionist Marc Sway. Set against the backdrop of a balmy July evening on Lake Geneva, the uplifting concert was a fitting homage to Quincy Jones and cemented the impact of his legacy on Montreux and on the history of music.
MJF LAC Scène du Lac OST. Marc Sway performing at Chaka Khan concert. © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin
Chaka Khan told the crowd: 'This here tonight is a tribute to one of the most amazing men on the planet, and in music. As a father, a grandfather, an uncle, he was many things to me. And I know in your heart of hearts, where your music part lives, that he's part of it. So, we're gonna' do a little tribute–no a big tribute actually–to Quincy Jones.'
This was a unique moment to witness in Montreux as iconic Soultress Chaka Khan performed her greatest hits in a one-off tribute to the late, great Quincy Jones–former co-producer and ambassador of Montreux Jazz Festival–before the performances return to a newly renovated Casino in 2026.
MJF LAC. Scène du Lac OST. Siedah Garrett performs with Chaka Khan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin
Before her rendition of Man in the Mirror Siedah Garrett recounted to the audience: 'This song changed my life. This song has opened so many doors, has allowed me to be on this stage tonight honouring the late, great, Quincy Delight Jones. So he [Quincy] was looking for one more song to round up the 'Bad' album [by Michael Jackson]. So Glen [Ballard] and I wrote this song and Michael loved it and recorded it.'
Arriving by boat across the glistening water of Lake Geneva from stunning Hotel des Couronnes in Vevey was the ultimate mode of transport, the lake stage appearing above the crystal clear water of Lake Geneva in a magical prelude to an unforgettable night of life-affirming music.
An Electrifying Farewell
As the final chords rang out and Chaka brought the night full circle with a rousing encore of I'm Every Woman , a tangible electricity surged through the crowd and everybody danced, including the most reserved concert goers. A perfectly fitting end to an unforgettable evening of music on the Swiss Riviera.
More than a concert, the performance felt like a musically spiritual communion–an expression of love for Quincy and his legacy, a joyous celebration of Chaka Khan's contribution to music history, a showcase for the talents of her supporting singers and musicians, and an ode to the natural beauty of Lake Geneva and Montreux.
MJF LAC. Scène du Lac OST. Chaka Khan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin
Streaming for the World, from Montreux with Love
All performances from Montreux Jazz Festival 2025 are being livestreamed for free via the Festival's official YouTube channel, continuing its mission to bring live music to audiences around the world, without borders. The full and updated streaming schedule is available on the festival website.
With To Q With Love , Montreux didn't just open a music festival—it opened a portal. To memory. To melody. To the spirit of Quincy Jones.
And surely–as Chaka's performance unfolded under the starry night Sky of Montreux– Quincy Jones and Claude Nobs were listening from the heavens.
A Starry line-up at Montreux Jazz Festival 2025
Chaka Khan's Quincy Jones tribute kicked off a two week festival programme with a a standout lineup including RAYE, Benson Boone, The Black Keys, FKA Twigs, Alanis Morissette, J Balvin, Bloc Party, Joe Bonamassa, London Grammar, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and Celeste.
All the concerts will be available to livestream for free on the Montreux Jazz Festival's official YouTube channel, bringing Montreux's iconic lakeside experience directly to music lovers everywhere and continuing the Festival's ambition to bring live music to as wide a public as possible. The full and updated broadcast schedule is available on the festival's website.
With this extraordinary opening night, the Montreux Jazz Festival 2025 is officially underway, promising two more weeks of unforgettable moments on the shores of Lake Geneva.
For more information or tickets go the festival website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
5 days ago
- Forbes
A Belle Époque Feast In The Swiss Mountains: Dining At Hotel Victoria Glion
Hotel Victoria, Switzerland Hotel Victoria Perched like a jewel on the shoulder of the mountain, above the shimmering curve of Lake Geneva, the Hotel Victoria Glion rises from the mists of time–a living reverie of Belle Époque grandeur. As our funicular gently scaled the slopes from Montreux, each click of the track seemed to lift us from the modern world and deposit us into an artist's dream of 19th-century Switzerland. High on the mountain above Montreux– close to Rochers-de-Naye–Hotel Victoria has a sense of history combined with a warm family welcome and a one-of-a-kind setting. The village of Glion greeted us with hushed charm, its cobbled stillness hinting at stories whispered between pines and alpine flowers. At the heart of it all stands the Hotel Victoria, more reminiscent of a theatre set than a hotel, with its rose-pink façade and golden yellow accents recalling something plucked from Wes Anderson movie The Grand Budapest Hotel . Upon arrival the hotel you half expect Ralph Fiennes–in character as concierge Monsier Gustave–to answer the door. Indeed, Anderson drew inspiration from Grand Swiss Belle Epoque hotels for his fictional hotel. Hotel Victoria, Glion, Switzerland. Photograph © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock We were welcomed by the hotel's young director Antoine Mittermair who, at the young age of 27, took over the running of the hotel from his father, tasked with carrying its legacy and the spirit of the hotel into the future. Stepping into the lobby was like going back in time to 19th Century Belle Epoque Switzerland, the era of the Grand Hotels: oil paintings softened by age, porcelain vases poised with dignity, and carved furniture that seemed to hum with memory. Art at Hotel Victoria Glion © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock We were guided to the terrace where we sat in antique wicker chairs on the emerald green grass, savouring the fresh mountain air. Before us, Lake Geneva stretched like liquid silver, the town of Montreux below humming faintly with the sounds of the Jazz Festival. A Negroni, perfectly bittered and bright and an Aperol Spritz, kissed by the sun were our opening notes. Hotel Victoria Glion terrace © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Lunch unfolded as a love letter to Swiss-French cuisine, lovingly created by the chef's steady hand. A chilled and minted Pea Velouté, as light as a breeze, tasted of meadows and first blooms–so delicious and fresh that we asked for the recipe, which was later printed out for us and presented in a beautiful card. No attention to detail was spared. A delicate and refreshing starter of Ceviche de sériole aux pickles was beautifully presented and quickly digested, before the pièce de résistance -Dover sole à la meunière–a symphony of butter and lemon, plated with such care it felt like a travesty to eat it. The Chef–Mr. Gilles Vincent–emerged onto the terrace to greet the guests. Pea Veloute soup at Hotel Victoria Glion © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Each bite was a delight, each moment on that terrace a postcard to remember, for the delectable food, service and picturesque view. The perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon–or any meal time–on a level with the clouds in the Swiss mountains, in a parallel universe where time stands still and you can take time to savour every mouthful of lovingly prepared food. We felt like we had stepped back in time to a Golden era of fine dining and Belle Epoque design. Classic Swiss dishes on the Hotel Victoria's menu include Sliced veal Zurich style and Châteaubriand with darphin potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Hotel Victoria is one of three Belle Epoque hotels located in Montreux, where the legacy of the artistic movement endures in the region's landscape and architecture. La Belle Époque–translating as "Beautiful Era" in French–refers to a period in French and European history stretching from the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 to the start of World War one in 1914. Hotel Victoria was born in the late 19th century when the Belle Epoque hotel business was flourishing on the Swiss Riviera, as the result of a new architectural movement which influenced architectural trends and, accompanied by technical innovations such as running water and electricity, enabled the construction of grand hotels with bathrooms and lifts–radical and luxurious innovations at the time. Hotel Victoria Glion Terrace © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Chef Gilles Vincent is a culinary artist, taking care to skilfully combines local produce with seasonal treasures to create classic gourmet masterpieces that are easy on the eye and agreeable to the palette. At Hotel Victoria Glion the classic menu is accompanied by a well-stocked wine cellar, with the staff on hand to suggest perfect pairings of food and wine. There is a sense of nostalgia in this historic family-run hotel, not only in well preserved Belle Epoque design with hints of Art Nouveau, but also in the Chandeliers, silverware and perfectly starched table linen that all add the perfect finishing touches to this hidden gem of a restaurant set amidst a century-old park with a flower garden. Hotel Victoria Cave a Vin Hotel Victoria Hotel Victoria Glion is not merely a hotel–it is an ode. To time, to beauty, to the slow and careful art of living well. To dine there is to slip, if only for an afternoon, into a gentler age.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
How to Watch PSG vs. Real Madrid Club World Cup Semifinal Online
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final is almost here. Semifinal play today wraps up today with a match between powerhouse clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. PSG has been on a tear the last three matches, shutting out every opponent. Most recently, they took down Harry Kane's Bayern 2-0 to reach the semis. Real Madrid secured its spot in the semifinals with a 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Dortmund. More from Rolling Stone From Neil Young's 'Harvest' to Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Greatest Hits' LP, These Vinyl Classics Are Up to 28% Off on Amazon The Best Prime Day Audio Deals: Save Up to 51% on Apple, Sony, and More (Day 2) New Box Set Compiles the Biggest Comic Book Influences Behind James Gunn's 'Superman' The winner of today's game will face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13. At a Glance: How to Watch PSG vs. Real Madrid Stream: DAZN Date, start time: Wednesday, July 9 at 3 p.m. ET stream free on dazn If you're looking to watch the PSG vs. Real Madrid match online, we're here to help. Below is a quick guide on everything you need to know about the Club World Cup semifinal, including where to watch PSG vs. Real Madrid online, when the game starts, and current betting odds. How to Watch PSG vs. Real Madrid Online The 2025 Club World Cup is being shown exclusively on the sports streaming service DAZN, so you'll need an account to watch PSG vs. Real Madrid. But there's some great news: DAZN is offering Club World Cup livestreams for free. That means you just need to create an account to get a watch PSG vs. Real Madrid for free on DAZN. Sign up here. stream free on dazn PSG vs. Real Madrid Match Date, Start Time, Location The PSG vs. Real Madrid semifinal match is happening today, Wednesday, July 9. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. PSG vs. Real Madrid Odds Oddsmakers are expecting a very close match between PSG and Real Madrid today. PSG currently has a moneyline of +130 against Real Madrid's +190. Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit
Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit originally appeared on Parade. When Michael Jackson's multi-platinum hit "Beat It" debuted in 1982, it was clear the song was destined to become one of the best-selling singles of all time — thanks, in part, to the tune's instantly iconic hard rock guitar solo. At the time, however, many fans didn't know that legendary Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen was responsible for the decades later, music lovers are still surprised to learn that he played on the track for free. In a 2013 interview on CNN alongside rapper LL Cool J, Van Halen — who died in 2020 at the age of 65 — gave a hilariously candid response when Piers Morgan asked why he received "zero dollars" for his work on the "smash hit." "Well, I didn't ask for anything," Van Halen admitted, adding, "This is about 20 minutes out of my life." "Quincy had called me up and asked me if I wanted to do it," Van Halen continued, referring to famed producer Quincy Jones. "Honest to God truth, the band's policy was, you know, we don't do things outside of the band at the time, and everybody was out of town so I had no one to ask. I swear to God, I figured who's going to know if I play on this black kid's record," he added, laughing. As Van Halen went on to explain, the "funniest thing of all" was that he "actually rearranged the song." "The second they wanted me to solo over it was just, you know there's no chord changes underneath it so I had to rearrange the song," he recalled. "And Michael came in and I said 'Oh I hope you don't mind I changed your song,' and he listens he goes 'No, I really like that high fast stuff you do.'" Despite the fact that Van Halen never profited from a song that made Jackson boatloads of cash, the rock legend proved he harbored no hard feelings in the same interview, remembering the pop star as a "sweet guy."Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit first appeared on Parade on Jul 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
