Influential soul, jazz, and funk producer and composer Roy Ayers has sadly passed away at the age of 84. His family shared the news in a heartfelt statement on Facebook, announcing that Ayers died on March 4, 2025, in New York City after a prolonged illness. They described him as a highly influential figure in the music industry, known for his collaborations and sought-after talent as a music producer.
Ayers is best known for his iconic track Everybody Loves the Sunshine, a mellow tune that has been covered by renowned artists such as d'Angelo and sampled by legends including Mary J. Blige and Tyler, the Creator. However, to label him merely by his biggest hit would be an understatement. Ayers was a pioneering force in nu-soul and jazz funk, playing a central role in the 1990s acid jazz movement.
Pharrell Williams, the star behind hits like Happy and Blurred Lines, regarded Ayers as one of his greatest musical inspirations. The influence of Ayers extended deeply into the realms of R&B and hip-hop, particularly in the 90s, where artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, and Jill Scott drew from his earlier works in tracks like Bonita Applebaum, My Life, and Watching Me. Additionally, he collaborated with notable acts like Guru and The Roots.
Recognized as the "king of neo-soul" by Erykah Badu, Ayers left an indelible mark on the music scene. Recently, Calvin Harris praised his intricate music style, stating on BBC Radio 2 that Ayers’s compositions are rich and warm, setting him apart in the industry. Over the years, Ayers performed at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival multiple times, with his final appearance occurring in 2019.
In addition to his impressive music career, Ayers wrote and produced the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film Coffy, which starred Pam Grier. His versatility extended beyond the vibraphone, as he was proficient in several instruments, including the flute and trumpet. The vibraphone, a percussion instrument reminiscent of a xylophone, became his signature sound. His other notable tracks include Running Away and Searchin', both performed with his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity.
Born on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, Roy Edward Ayers Jr. hailed from a musical family. His mother, Ruby, was both a school teacher and a piano instructor, while his father, Roy Sr., worked as a parking attendant and was a trombonist. Ayers began his musical journey at the tender age of five, initially playing the piano and singing in the church choir before ultimately gravitating toward the vibraphone.
A pivotal moment in Ayers's life came when he attended a Lionel Hampton Big Band concert at the age of five. Hampton, impressed by Ayers’s enthusiasm, gifted him a pair of vibe mallets, sparking his lifelong passion for music. Ayers would later form his first group, the Jefferson Combo, while studying at Jefferson High School and furthered his education in advanced music theory at college. He officially entered the music industry as a professional musician in 1961.
Ayers recorded three albums with jazz flautist Herbie Mann before founding Roy Ayers Ubiquity and achieving massive success with Everybody Loves the Sunshine in 1976, featured on the album of the same name. His last solo album, Mahogany Vibes, which included contributions from Erykah Badu, was released in 2004.
Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers. In their Facebook post, the family requested privacy during this difficult time, adding that a celebration of Roy's remarkable life will be announced in the future. The music and legacy of Roy Ayers will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.
