Will Smith doesn't hold back following Quincy Jones' death with a painful 'final goodbye'

Quincy Jones' death at the age of 91 provoked an outpouring of grief and a wide range of tributes from celebrities, musicians, and actors -- all of whom, in one sense or another, were influenced by Jones over the composer and producer's lengthy career.

Jones, who died in Los Angeles on Sunday, won 28 Grammy Awards over his 70-year career in music, which began with jazz arrangements and moved swiftly into crafting film scores before crossing over into pop and rock music -- through which he built relationships with Michael Jackson and U2 vocalist Bono. But one of Jones' most treasured relationships was with actor Will Smith, who paid an emotional tribute to the music titan following his death.

Inside Smith's powerful bond with Jones

Smith on Monday posted a final goodbye to Jones on Instagram, which included a photo from Smith's days as the star of the groundbreaking NBC sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Jones, the show's executive producer, met Smith in 1989 and encouraged him to audition for the lead role.

The rest, as they say, is history. Smith starred as a ficitonalized version of himself on the show, which aired between 1990 and 1996; he garnered worldwide fame and launched his movie career off the back of the show's success.

"Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend," Smith wrote. "He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me. He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly."

Smith had previously credited Jones for keeping him out of poverty in the 1980s, when the fledgling actor was struggling to pay his taxes.The "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" audition arguably saved Smith's life; films that star the Philadelphia native have grossed more than $9 billion worldwide, and his crossover appeal has seen him net four Grammys in addition to a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award.