Roy Ayers’ iconic hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine has been widely covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years.
Roy Ayers made his recording debut with saxophonist Curtis Amy. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
Legendary jazz vibraphonist and composer Roy Ayers has passed away at 84. A pioneer of jazz-funk, he played a significant role in shaping the neo-soul movement. Best known for his iconic hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine, Roy Ayers’ music has been widely sampled across various genres. His passing was confirmed in an official statement shared on his Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer 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,” the statement read.
Tributes started pouring in. One of the fans wrote, “Mr. Ayers, your music and your spirit changed my life. I truly mean it. Your impact is immeasurable.” Another one said, “Man! “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” is one of my favorite songs! RIP”
Someone added, “What a legacy of beautiful music and art he leaves behind for us to enjoy. Rest in peace maestro.”
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Roy Ayers grew up surrounded by music. His passion for the art form began early, sparked by a Lionel Hampton concert he attended at the age of five, which inspired him to take up the vibraphone. As a child, he took piano lessons and sang in the church choir. At 17, he received his first vibraphone, setting the stage for his musical journey.
Ayers pursued advanced music theory at Los Angeles City College before making his recording debut in the early 1960s with saxophonist Curtis Amy. In 1963, he released his first album, West Coast Vibes, under United Artists. His career flourished through collaborations, including working with jazz flutist Herbie Mann, recording three albums for Atlantic Records. By the 1970s, he had signed with Polydor Records, continuing to shape the jazz-funk genre with his innovative music.
One of his most notable projects was composing and producing the soundtrack for the 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy starring Pam Grier. During this time, he also formed his band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity. His biggest hit, Everybody Loves the Sunshine, was released in 1976. The song has since been covered and sampled by various artists including D’Angelo, Jamie Cullum and Robert Glasper.
Over the years, Ayers continued to make music and established two record labels, Uno Melodic and Gold Mink Records. His final solo album, Mahogany Vibe, came out in 2004. He made a guest appearance on Tyler, the Creator’s track Find Your Wings in 2015 and two years later performed at his Camp Flog Gnaw festival. Ayers also collaborated with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad on the 2020 album Roy Ayers JID002.
Ayers is credited for his significant influence on hip-hop and R&B musicians. His work was sampled in songs by artists like Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, and Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Roy Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers.
