Venerated jazz musician and composer Roy Ayers, often called the “Godfather of Neo-Soul,” passed away in New York City on March 4, 2025, following a lengthy illness. He was 84 years of age.
A statement from Ayers’ family was shared on his Facebook page, confirming his death and noting that he led a “beautiful 84 years.” The statement also mentioned plans for a memorial celebration, with details forthcoming.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Ayers was most recognized for his 1976 hit “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” This track not only ranked 72 on Pitchfork’s top 200 songs of the 1970s but also became one of the most sampled songs in music history.
Since its release, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” has been streamed over 130 million times on Spotify and has been covered by numerous artists, including D’Angelo, an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his contributions to the neo-soul movement.
The musical career of Ayers began in his early years. At just five years old, he was inspired to play the vibraphone after watching Lionel Hampton perform. “At the time, my mother and father told me he laid spiritual vibes on me,” Ayers disclosed in a 2011 interview with The Los Angeles Times.
Ayers’ professional career took off in the early 1960s, following his studies in advanced music theory at Los Angeles City College. After signing with United Artists, he released his debut studio album, “West Coast Vibes,” in 1963.
In the 1970s, Ayers transitioned from a post-bop jazz artist to a jazz-funk pioneer, forming his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity. This period saw the production of several successful albums, with “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” emerging as his signature hit.
Over a career that spanned over four decades, Ayers produced nearly 50 albums, 12 of which were charted on the Billboard 200. His most successful album, “You Send Me,” was released in 1978.
Ayers was instrumental in blending electric instruments, rock and R&B rhythms, and soulful elements with jazz, resulting in a funkier version of the genre. This innovative approach to music led to both commercial success and critical recognition, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Congress of Racial Equality in 2011.
Ayers’ influence extended beyond his discography. As reported by Billboard, Pharrell Williams cited Ayers as one of his most influential artists. Contemporary hip-hop and R&B artists, including Mary J. Blige and J. Cole, have widely sampled Ayers’ music.
Snoop Dogg is among the numerous artists who sampled Ayers’ music, which Ayers found both surprising and gratifying. “I’m happy to say that I never had to go to anyone to ask them to sample me,” he stated. “They just started doing it. It’s been wonderful hearing people put their own spin on my sounds.”
Music historians and industry insiders have remarked that Ayers’ composition “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” has been sampled nearly 200 times by hip-hop artists, placing him among the most sampled musicians in history, a distinction shared with artists like James Brown.
During the 1990s, Ayers was recognized as a leading innovator in the acid jazz movement, further solidifying his musical legacy. He collaborated with several artists throughout his career, including Nigerian musician Fela Kuti and neo-soul trailblazer Erykah Badu.
Ayers’ musical versatility was notable. As CNN reported, he reshaped the “glassy, elongated tones of the vibraphone into a tool of spacy musical exploration.” Throughout his career, he mastered various instruments, such as the electric piano and synthesizer.
Beyond his performance and recording career, Ayers contributed to cinema as the composer for the 1973 film “Coffy.” Recently, he appeared in the documentary “Summer of Soul.”
Despite his age, Ayers remained active in the music industry until 2023, performing live and collaborating with contemporary artists like Kanye West and Tyler the Creator.
Upon the news of his death, fans took to social media to pay tribute to Ayers. He was described as “incomparable” and a “true innovator” who “revitalized the music landscape.”
Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers.
