Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz vibraphonist renowned for his hit song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed the news, stating that he died on March 4, 2025, in New York City after battling a long illness. In their statement, the Ayers family described him as a “highly influential and sought-after music collaborator.”
A Leader in Jazz-Funk and Neo-Soul Music
Throughout his career, Ayers was a trailblazer in the jazz-funk genre and made a significant impact on the neo-soul movement. With a career spanning over five decades, he released numerous albums beginning in 1963. His most iconic hit, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” came from his group Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s 1976 album. The track remains a timeless classic, with over 130 million streams on Spotify, and has been covered by various artists, including D’Angelo and Robert Glasper.
Ayers also worked with music legends like the Roots, Guru, Fela Kuti, and Rick James, and his music continues to be widely sampled in hip-hop and R&B, with songs appearing in tracks by artists such as Mary J. Blige, Common, and Kanye West.
Roy Ayers: Early Life and Musical Journey
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers grew up surrounded by music and was inspired to play the vibraphone after seeing Lionel Hampton’s Big Band at just five years old. After receiving his first vibraphone at age 17, he attended Los Angeles City College to study music theory. Ayers made his debut recording with saxophonist Curtis Amy in the early 1960s and released his first album, West Coast Vibes, in 1963.
In the 1970s, Ayers formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity and released several albums, including the soundtrack for the film Coffy, and solidified his place in the music world with his hit “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” He also worked with jazz flutist Herbie Mann and produced and recorded albums for Polydor.
Lasting Influence on Hip-Hop and R&B
Ayers’ influence on hip-hop and R&B artists was immense. His music and productions were sampled on iconic tracks such as A Tribe Called Quest’s “Bonita Applebaum” and Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money.” His ability to blend jazz with other genres created a warm, mellow sound that continues to resonate with musicians and fans alike.
Legacy and Family
Roy Ayers’ musical legacy lives on through his vast discography and his impact on generations of artists. He is survived by his wife Argerie and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers. His contributions to music, particularly jazz, soul, and hip-hop, will continue to inspire artists for years to come.
