Roy Ayersa Of New York City Death – Legendary jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers, known for his timeless hit “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” and his immense influence on the worlds of jazz, funk, and hip-hop, has passed away at the age of 84. The Ayers family shared the heartbreaking news in a statement to Variety, confirming that he died in New York City on March 4, 2025, after a long illness. “It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing,” the statement read, describing him as “highly influential and sought after as a music collaborator.”
Ayers’ impact on music stretched across generations and genres, and his work has left an indelible mark on jazz, funk, and R&B. Throughout his remarkable career, Ayers established himself as a pioneer of jazz-funk, shaping the sound that would influence not only neo-soul but also generations of hip-hop artists who sampled his work. As a solo artist, he released numerous albums, starting as early as 1963. He achieved his most memorable success with the release of “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” the 1976 hit from his group Roy Ayers Ubiquity that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers grew up surrounded by music, an influence that would shape his entire life. His passion for music took root at an early age, largely due to his family’s musical background and his exposure to the vibrant jazz scene. A pivotal moment occurred when Ayers, at just five years old, attended a performance by Lionel Hampton’s Big Band. Inspired by Hampton’s vibraphone playing, Ayers was determined to pursue the instrument himself. By age 17, his dreams became reality when he was gifted his first vibraphone. He soon took piano lessons, sang in the church choir, and later attended Los Angeles City College, where he studied advanced music theory.
Ayers’ early music career began in the 1960s when he made his recording debut with saxophonist Curtis Amy. By 1963, he released his first album, West Coast Vibes, under United Artists, which marked the beginning of his solo career. His ability to blend different genres soon caught the attention of the music world, and he went on to collaborate with notable artists. He teamed with jazz flutist Herbie Mann to record several albums for Atlantic Records, including Virgo Vibes and Stoned Soul Picnic, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
As the 1970s approached, Ayers’ music evolved into what would become known as jazz-funk, a genre he helped define. During this period, he signed with Polydor Records and formed his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity, which would produce his biggest hit, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” The song’s warm, soulful groove captured the essence of the 1970s, and it has since become a staple in music history, with more than 130 million streams on Spotify. Its legacy continues to grow, with artists such as D’Angelo, Jamie Cullum, and Robert Glasper covering the track, further cementing Ayers’ place in musical history.
In addition to his work with Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Ayers was a sought-after collaborator and producer. He contributed to the soundtrack of the 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy, starring Pam Grier, further showcasing his talents as a composer. His music became a crucial part of the film’s success and solidified his reputation as a multifaceted artist.
Ayers’ influence extended far beyond his own recordings. His work became a cornerstone in the world of hip-hop, as his songs were sampled by some of the biggest names in the genre. Artists like Mary J. Blige, Common, Tyler, the Creator, and Kanye West have all used Ayers’ music to enhance their own, drawing on the warm, mellow tones he brought to his compositions. His track “My Life” became a key element in Mary J. Blige’s breakout album, while A Tribe Called Quest’s “Bonita Applebum” and Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money” also utilized his timeless melodies.
Throughout his career, Ayers continued to release music and collaborate with other artists. In 2004, he released his final solo album, Mahogany Vibe, which featured guest appearances from Betty Wright, Kamilah, and Erykah Badu. In 2015, he made a guest appearance on Tyler, the Creator’s track “Find Your Wings,” and two years later performed at Tyler’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival. In 2020, Ayers collaborated with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad on the album Roy Ayers JID002, which was released through the Jazz Is Dead label. This project further demonstrated Ayers’ continuing relevance and influence in modern music.
Ayers’ legacy is undeniable, as his pioneering sound bridged the gap between jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop. His contributions to music have left an enduring impact, and his songs will continue to inspire future generations. Part of his influence comes from his ability to transcend genres and bring his unique sound to each collaboration. Whether through his own compositions or the countless tracks that sampled his work, Ayers’ mellifluous tone will continue to resonate in the hearts of music lovers.
Roy Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers. While his physical presence may no longer be with us, his music and the profound impact he had on the world will live on, ensuring that his contributions to the arts will never be forgotten.