Roy Ayers, the influential jazz-funk pioneer and vibraphonist, passed away on March 4, 2025, in New York City at age 84 after a prolonged illness.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers' musical journey began at age five when legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton gifted him his first pair of mallets during a concert. This moment would shape his future in music, as Ayers later recalled to the Los Angeles Times, "my mother and father told me he laid some spiritual vibes on me."

In the 1970s, Ayers found his signature sound with his band Ubiquity, named after his 1970 album. The group perfectly blended soulful horns, funk grooves, and jazz improvisation, creating a unique style that would influence generations of musicians.

His 1976 masterpiece "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" became his most enduring work, covered by numerous artists including D'Angelo and the Robert Glasper Experiment. The song has been sampled hundreds of times by prominent artists such as Tupac Shakur, Mary J. Blige, and Dr. Dre.

Throughout his career, Ayers collaborated with contemporary artists including Alicia Keys, The Roots, Tyler the Creator, and Erykah Badu, who dubbed him the "king of neo-soul." His influence extended across generations and genres, with his work being sampled by artists from Rick James to Pharrell Williams and A Tribe Called Quest.

His family has announced that a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

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