Roy Ayers, the iconic vibraphonist and jazz-funk pioneer whose timeless hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine became a cultural anthem, has died at the age of 84, per npr.org. Ayers passed away on Tuesday in New York City after a long illness, as confirmed by a statement on his official Facebook page.
Born on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, Ayers was destined for a life in music. At just five years old, he was so captivated by a Lionel Hampton concert that the legendary vibraphonist handed him his first pair of mallets—a moment that would spark a lifelong passion.
Ayers honed his craft in the 1960s hard-bop scene before finding his signature sound with the formation of Roy Ayers Ubiquity in the 1970s. The band’s fusion of funk, soul and jazz improvisation created a streetwise sound that resonated deeply with audiences.
Ayers’ 1976 album Everybody Loves the Sunshine became a defining moment in his career, with its title track becoming a funk classic. The song’s warm, sun-soaked vibes have been sampled over 100 times, influencing artistes like Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige and The-Dream. Reflecting on the track’s creation, Ayers once told The Guardian, “It was so spontaneous. It felt wonderful. And I knew exactly how I wanted it to sound.”
Beyond his own music, Ayers’ influence extended through collaborations with artistes across generations, from Erykah Badu and Alicia Keys to Tyler, The Creator. His vibraphone work on Badu’s Mama’s Gun album earned him the title of “king of neo-soul” from the singer herself. Pianist Robert Glasper aptly summarised Ayers’ legacy in 2011: “It just has a Roy Ayers sound. There’s nothing you can describe. It’s just Roy Ayers.”
Ayers’ music continues to inspire, proving that his sunshine will never fade. He is survived by a legacy of innovation, collaboration and timeless grooves.
- Featured image: Roy Ayers poses for a portrait in 1970/Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images
