With reverence and soul, acclaimed R&B and jazz vocalist Kimberly Brewer pays tribute to the late, great Quincy Jones through a shimmering new rendition of his classic track, “If I Ever Lose This Heaven.” Produced by two-time GRAMMY® nominee Chris “Big Dog” Davis, the single features the elegant flute stylings of Billboard chart-topping artist Ragan Whiteside.
Originally recorded by Jones for his 1974 album Body Heat, the song remains an enduring gem of romantic jazz-soul fusion. Brewer’s inspired take emerged after her longtime friend and collaborator, jazz-funk bassist Byron Miller, introduced her to Davis’s reimagined track. When Jones passed away shortly after, Brewer felt a calling to lend her voice to this timeless piece as a tribute to the legendary composer-producer-arranger.
“I was a child when Q’s version came out but always recognized the emotions behind this love song and how beautifully it was written,” Brewer reflects. “Chris sent me the track and I loved his arrangement and the impeccable background vocals of Devin Tiana. It was an honor to sing my version of ‘If I Ever Lose This Heaven’ to honor Q. My only regret is that he never got to hear it.”
Chris Davis, familiar with Brewer’s unique blend of jazz, R&B, and soul, crafted a sensuous and richly textured arrangement with jazzy horns, velvety grooves, and a nostalgic yet modern flair. Drawing inspiration from the original, Davis invited Ragan Whiteside to contribute her signature flute—a sonic nod to the classic intro that opened Jones’s version.
The result is a lush, dreamy soundscape where Brewer’s lead and backing vocals float effortlessly alongside Whiteside’s soulful flute lines. The chemistry between their performances creates a celestial harmony that not only honors Jones’s legacy but breathes new life into the track for a new generation.
The influential soul music platform SoulTracks premiered the single in their First Listen feature, praising Brewer’s work:
“Lo and behold, we have a slick cover of ‘If I Ever Lose This Heaven’ from Stevie Wonder backing vocalist Kimberly Brewer… Having Brewer embrace this Quincy Jones masterpiece is the moment that today’s jazz and adult R&B lovers have long waited for.”
The original song was written by the late Leon Ware and Pamela Sawyer, and famously featured vocals from Ware, Minnie Riperton, and Al Jarreau. Brewer’s personal connection to Ware—whom she met through vocalist Lynne Fiddmont—added another layer of meaning to this heartfelt remake.
“Leon invited me to his studio, and it was amazing hearing the music he was working on. He had such a gift,” Brewer shared.
A seasoned vocalist with an elite résumé, Kimberly Brewer has recorded and toured with some of music’s most celebrated names including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Teena Marie, Rick James, Vanessa Williams, Will Downing, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Her 2020 EP Just That Sweet To Me featured Wonder, Walter Beasley, and JOE, among others. This summer, she will release a new EP titled Tasting Sunshine, executive produced by Miller and featuring collaborations with Mark Kibble (Take 6) and Gerald Albright.
With “If I Ever Lose This Heaven”, Kimberly Brewer does more than reinterpret a classic—she offers a loving, musical benediction to one of the greatest minds in music history. It’s not just a cover; it’s a spiritual tribute, delivered with passion, precision, and pure heart.
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