He’s gone into the sunshine!
Roy Ayers, the iconic vibraphonist, composer, and jazz-funk innovator, has passed away at the age of 84, NPR reports. Best known for his timeless classic “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” Ayers’ influence spans decades, shaping the sound of R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul. His music, filled with warmth and groove, has been sampled by countless artists, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of Black musical excellence.
“It is with great sadness the family of legendary vibraphonist Roy Ayers announce his passing on March 4th, 2025 in New York City. He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed,” a statement on Ayers’ social accounts reads.
Born in Los Angeles on September 10, 1940, Ayers’ musical destiny was sealed when, at just five years old, he was handed his first set of mallets by jazz great Lionel Hampton. That moment sparked a lifelong journey into sound, one that would blend jazz, funk, and soul into an unmistakable signature style. While Ayers got his start in the 1960s hard-bop jazz scene, it was the formation of his band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, in the ’70s that truly defined his career. The group’s fusion of electric jazz, funk, and soulful storytelling provided the soundtrack for an era.
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Ayers’ work resonated deeply in the Black community, cementing his legacy with his soundtrack score for the 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy, starring Pam Grier. But it was “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” released in 1976, that became his defining anthem. The song, with its dreamy synths, vibraphone magic, and hazy nostalgia, has been sampled over 100 times by artists including Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Outkast and Pharrell Williams, making it one of the most influential tracks in hip-hop and R&B history.
Ayers’ music wasn’t just about sound; it was about feeling. His ability to translate Black joy, love, and resilience into melody made him a cultural staple. His collaborations with legends like Fela Kuti, Guru, and Robert Glasper continued to push the boundaries of jazz and funk, while his presence in the work across generations of artists from Tyler, The Creator to Nas and Erykah Badu ensured his sound never faded.
As we remember Roy Ayers, we celebrate a man who gave us beauty in every note. His influence will continue to live on through the countless songs he inspired, the artists he mentored, and the joy he spread. Rest in power, Roy Ayers—your music will shine forever.
Cover photo: Roy Ayers, Legendary Jazz-Funk Pioneer & Godfather of Neo-Soul, Has Joined the Ancestors/Photo credit: David Redfern/Getty Images