Why Queen Latifah Chose ‘Ease on Down the Road’ to Tribute to Quincy Jones at the 2025 Oscars

At the 2025 Oscars, Queen Latifah delivered a powerful and heartfelt tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones, marking the enduring influence of the composer, producer, and musician on both music and film. Latifah’s choice to perform “Ease on Down the Road,” the iconic song from The Wiz, was a fitting homage to Jones’s unparalleled contributions to the entertainment world, specifically his work as the producer of the 1978 film’s soundtrack.

The performance, filled with energy and joy, was complemented by backup dancers, and it captivated the audience at the Dolby Theatre. Stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Colman Domingo were seen standing and applauding, reflecting the profound impact Jones’s legacy continues to have on the industry. The vibrant rendition of “Ease on Down the Road,” a number that has become synonymous with Jones’s role in The Wiz, was not only a musical celebration but a visual one, emphasizing the joyous, larger-than-life essence of the film and its iconic soundtrack.

The tribute was introduced by none other than Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, two industry giants who shared both personal and professional ties with Quincy Jones. Both had worked with him on The Color Purple, and their introduction highlighted his groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment world. They fondly recalled Jones’s historic accomplishments, including his nomination as the first Black composer for an Oscar in 1967 and his receipt of an Honorary Award in 2024.

As Goldberg and Winfrey set the stage for Latifah’s performance, they underscored how Jones’s work shaped not only music but also the landscape of film and culture as a whole. The decision to perform “Ease on Down the Road” encapsulated Jones’s groundbreaking role in The Wiz, which redefined the classic Wizard of Oz story with an all-Black cast and a bold musical vision.

For Queen Latifah, performing this iconic song was both a tribute and a celebration of Quincy Jones’s enduring impact on pop culture. The choice of song highlighted Jones’s influence on not only The Wiz but also his broader impact on the entertainment industry, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in Hollywood’s history.

In essence, Queen Latifah’s rendition of “Ease on Down the Road” was a perfect tribute to Quincy Jones—an energetic, heartfelt performance that reminded audiences of his immense contributions and his lasting legacy in both music and film.