Legendary jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers has died, aged 84.
Ayers death was confirmed via an announcement from his team through Ayers’ Facebook account. The post, which notes he died from a “long illness” reads: “It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composter and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York City after a long illness.”
“He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family ask that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”
It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing…
Posted by Roy Ayers on Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Dubbed the ‘Godfather of neo-soul’, Roy Ayers was best known for the 1976 hit ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’, which he recorded with his group Roy Ayers Ubiquity.
A pioneer of the jazz-funk genre and an early adopter of the neo-soul sound, Ayers’ music has been sampled countless times throughout history including by the likes of Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Common and Tyler, The Creator. He had worked with the likes of Whitney Houston, The Roots, Fela Kuti, Rick James, Guru and others.
Roy Ayers was inspired to the vibraphone at the young age of five after seeing Lionel Hamption’s Big Band in concert with his family. He made his recording debut in the early 1960s with saxophonist Curtis Amy and in 1963 signed his first recording deal to release his debut album ‘West Coast Vibes’.
In the ’70s, he formed his own band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, and composed the acclaimed soundtrack to the 1973 film Coffy. In 1976, Roy Ayers Ubiquity released the beloved ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ album, which included the hit title-track as well as the fan-favourite ‘Brother Green (The Disco King)’.
Over the following decades, he started two record labels Uno Melodic and Gold Mink Records. His final solo studio album, ‘Mahogany Vibe’ was released in 2004 and featured performances from Eykah Badu and Betty Wright. In 2015, he featured on Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Find Your Wings’ and in 2017 performed at the rapper’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival.
One of Roy Ayers’ final releases came in 2020 as part of Jazz Is Dead’s collaborative album ‘Roy Ayers JID002’ WITH Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
Following the news of his death, tributes have been paid to Roy Ayers. Check out a few of them below.
rip roy ayers the man the legend the gawd
— Desus MF Nice💯 (@desusnice) March 6, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Roy Ayers. A true innovator, Roy shaped and revitalized the musical landscape across generations. His sound became the backdrop to every era he graced, with Everybody Loves the Sunshine serving as an anthem for so many of us. pic.twitter.com/Nh0dT7XcAK
— Jazz Is Dead (@jazzisdeadco) March 6, 2025
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