CNN — Roy Ayers, a legendary vibraphonist known for his jazz-funk style, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84. His family shared the news through a Facebook post, stating he died in New York City after a long illness, though they did not specify the exact cause of death.
Ayers’ family described him as having “lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed.” He was famously dubbed the “Godfather of Neo-soul,” and his influence on music spanned over four decades.
One of his most famous tracks, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” became a classic when it was released in 1976 by his band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity. This song has remained popular, attracting over 130 million streams on Spotify and being covered by artists such as Mary J. Blige and Tupac.
Born in Los Angeles, Ayers grew up in a musical household. His mother was a piano teacher, and his father played the trombone. By age five, he was playing boogie woogie on the piano. He later explored different instruments like the flute and trumpet before finally choosing the vibraphone as his main instrument.
In the 1960s, Ayers established himself as a versatile musician, working often with groove innovator Herbie Mann. He transformed the vibraphone into a unique instrument, moving away from its traditional jazz roots to create a sound that felt fresh and exploratory.
His creative process was notably instinctive. Philip Woo, who played keys on “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” recalled that Ayers would often work without written music, simply feeling the music as he played. This spontaneity gave his work a special quality that resonated with listeners.
Ayers also collaborated with influential contemporary artists, including Kanye West, blending his classic sound with modern hip-hop. Additionally, he made his mark on film as the composer for the 1973 blaxploitation film “Coffy,” which helped launch Pam Grier’s career.
Rolling Stone magazine praised Ayers’ music for its blend of lush soul, elastic jazz, and tight funk. His family has requested privacy during this time and mentioned that a celebration of his life will be organized soon.
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