Roy Ayers, a beloved jazz vibraphonist, has passed away at 84. He was known for his timeless song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” which has been sampled by many artists across different genres.
His family announced his death in a statement shared with Variety. They expressed their sadness over losing such an influential figure in music, highlighting his talent as a composer and producer.
Ayers was a key player in jazz-funk and played a significant role in the neo-soul movement. Throughout his long career, which began in 1963, he released numerous albums and collaborated with famous artists like Mary J. Blige, Common, Kanye West, Fela Kuti, and Rick James. His song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” remains popular, with over 130 million streams on Spotify and various covers by artists like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers grew up surrounded by music. His love for the vibraphone began when he saw Lionel Hampton perform at just five years old. He took piano lessons and sang in church choirs before receiving his first vibraphone at 17. He studied advanced music theory at Los Angeles City College and made his recording debut in the early 1960s.
He initially partnered with jazz flutist Herbie Mann and recorded several albums before moving to Polydor. Ayers wrote the soundtrack for the film “Coffy” in 1973, which helped elevate his career further. Forming his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity, he created more music that continues to resonate with audiences today.
In later years, Ayers released more albums and even established two record labels. His last solo album, “Mahogany Vibe,” came out in 2004. He made appearances in the music scene well into his later years, collaborating with modern artists like Tyler, the Creator.
Ayers’ influence can still be felt in hip-hop and R&B, with his music being sampled in iconic tracks, including Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” and A Tribe Called Quest’s “Bonita Applebaum.” His legacy leaves behind an indelible mark on the music world.
Roy Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their two children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers.
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