‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ hitmaker and jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers has died, aged 84

nme.com:

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, 2025Dubbed 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.