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Roy Ayers, ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ Musician, Dies at 84
The legendary vibraphonist, whose music shaped jazz, soul, and hip-hop, leaves behind a legacy of timeless grooves and countless samples that continue to inspire generations.
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Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz-funk vibraphonist and pioneer of neo-soul, has passed away at the age of 84, according to Variety.
“It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4, 2025 in New York City after a long illness,” a statement said.
Best known for his timeless hit "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," Ayers was a prolific musician whose influence stretched far beyond jazz, deeply shaping R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. Over his decades-long career, he released more than 20 albums, blending jazz with funk, soul, and disco.
Growing up in a musical family—his father played trombone and his mother was a piano instructor—Ayers was immersed in music from an early age. At five, he received his first pair of vibraphone mallets from the legendary Lionel Hampton, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey.
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Ayers began his career in the early 1960s as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several albums with Atlantic Records. In 1966, he joined flautist Herbie Mann's band, which broadened his musical horizons and led to collaborations with artists like Fela Kuti and Herbie Hancock. In the early 1970s, Ayers formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity, a group that seamlessly blended jazz with funk and R&B, contributing significantly to the emerging jazz-funk genre.
Throughout his career, Ayers released over 40 albums, with standout tracks like "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" and "Running Away" becoming emblematic of his signature sound. His music's infectious grooves and soulful melodies resonated with audiences worldwide and have been extensively sampled by hip-hop and R&B artists, underscoring his lasting influence on contemporary music.
Ayers' contributions extended beyond performance; he composed the soundtrack for the 1973 film "Coffy," starring Pam Grier, which remains a classic in the blaxploitation genre. His collaborations spanned various genres and artists, reflecting his versatility and openness to musical exploration.
His influence is evident in the works of numerous artists who have sampled his music, including A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. Pharrell Williams has cited Ayers as one of his key musical heroes, a testament to Ayers' impact on future generations.
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