Roy Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist and composer who created the timeless hit "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," passed away on March 4th, 2025 in New York City after a prolonged illness. He was 84 years old.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940 to musical parents, Ayers' journey in music began at age five when jazz great Lionel Hampton gifted him his first pair of vibraphone mallets. His mother taught piano locally while his father played trombone, creating an environment that nurtured his musical talents from an early age.
After studying advanced music theory at Los Angeles City College, Ayers released his debut album "West Coast Vibes" in 1963. He went on to form Roy Ayers Ubiquity, the band that would help define his distinctive jazz-funk sound centered around his masterful vibraphone playing.
His breakthrough came in 1976 with "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," recorded at Electric Lady studios in New York. The song became a global summer anthem and one of the most sampled jazz records ever, featured by artists from Dr. Dre to Pharrell Williams.
Throughout his career spanning over five decades, Ayers released more than 40 albums and collaborated with numerous artists across genres. His work included composing the acclaimed soundtrack for the 1973 film "Coffy" and scoring UK chart success with hits like "Get on Up, Get on Down" and "Heat of the Beat."
Ayers remained active in music well into his later years, headlining London's Maiden Voyage festival in 2019. His influence stretched across generations, earning him the title "Godfather of Neo Soul" and inspiring countless artists in jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop.
His family announced his passing on Facebook, requesting privacy during this time and promising a future celebration of his life. Ayers leaves behind a rich musical legacy that transformed the landscape of jazz-funk and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.