Roy Ayers, the pioneering jazz-funk musician greatest recognized for his tune “Everyone Loves the Sunshine,” has died on the age of 84.
“It’s with nice disappointment that the household of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York Metropolis after a protracted sickness,” learn a submit on the musician’s Fb. “He lived an attractive 84 years and will likely be sorely missed. His household ask that you simply respect their privateness presently, a celebration of Roy’s life will likely be forthcoming.”
Ayers, who was born in Los Angeles on September tenth, 1940, launched his debut album, West Facet Vibes, in 1963, and collaborated with jazz legend Herbie Mann on quite a lot of recordings. After releasing a handful extra solo jazz albums within the ’60s, he fashioned his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity, creating his signature jazz-funk sound.
His signature tune “Everyone Loves the Sunshine” appeared on Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s 1976 album of the identical title. Recognizable by its revolutionary drone synth word, it’s one of the crucial sampled tracks of all time, making its means into songs by Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and Mos Def, amongst others.
On creating the tune, Ayers advised The Guardian in 2017, “It was so spontaneous. It felt great. And I knew precisely how I needed it to sound: a mixture of vibraphone, piano and a synthesizer.”
All through the ’70s and ’80s, Ayers scored quite a lot of hits on the R&B charts, together with “Working Away,” “Freaky Deaky,” and “Let’s Begin Love Over,” amongst others.
Roy Ayers Ubiquity launched their closing album in 1978, however Ayers continued to launch solo albums into the early 2000s. He performed vibraphone on the tune “Cleva” on Erykah Badu’s 2000 album, Mama’s Gun. He additionally lent his musical abilities to tracks by the likes of Alicia Keys, The Roots, and Tyler, The Creator, amongst others.
Ayers would come to be often called the “Godfather of Neo Soul” for his lasting musical affect on artists like Badu and D’Angelo, amongst others.
Our condolences exit to Roy Ayers’ household and mates throughout this troublesome time. Watch him performing “Everyone Love the Sunshine” on the 2019 Glastonbury pageant and listen to the unique model under.