Roy Ayers, Jazz-Funk Musician Behind ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine,’ Dies at 84

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Jazz-funk vibraphonist Roy Ayers, famed for his hit “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” and widely sampled across the music industry, has passed away at the age of 84.

Ayers passed away in New York City on Tuesday following a prolonged illness. His family made the announcement in a statement, asking for privacy and characterizing him as a highly influential figure in the music industry who was always in high demand as a collaborator.

Ayers was a trailblazer in the jazz-funk genre and gained recognition for his work in neo-soul, acid jazz, and rhythm and blues. He produced numerous albums throughout his career, starting with “West Coast Vibes” in 1963. His most famous song, “Everybody Loves The Sunshine,” was released by his group, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, in 1976. Since then, his music has been used as samples by artists such as Mary J. Blige (“My Life”), A Tribe Called Quest (“Bonita Applebaum”), and Junior M.A.F.I.A. (“Get Money”). He also teamed up with artists like Guru, Fela Kuti, Rick James, and the Roots for various collaborations.

In 2016, Pitchfork listed “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” title track among the top 200 songs from the 1970s. According to them, the song was not shy or secretive, yet its melody was subtle enough to be elusive.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, I was captivated by the vibraphone at the tender age of five, after witnessing Lionel Hampton’s Big Band performance. Receiving a vibraphone as a gift at seventeen, I began my journey to master this enchanting instrument. My musical roots run deep, as I also sang in church choirs as a child and learned to play the piano before furthering my education in music theory at Los Angeles City College. In the early ’60s, I signed my first contract with United Artists, marking the beginning of my professional career.

1973 saw Roy Ayers composing and producing the soundtrack for the blaxploitation action film “Coffy,” starring Pam Grier. His last solo album, titled “Mahogany Vibe,” was released in 2004, featuring collaborations with Wright, Kamilah, and Erykah Badu. In 2015, he made an appearance on Tyler, the Creator’s song “Find Your Wings” and later performed at the rapper’s Camp Flog Gnaw in 2017. In the year 2020, he unveiled a collaborative album titled “Roy Ayers JID002” with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad.

Ayers leaves behind his spouse, Argerie, along with their offspring Mtume and Ayana Ayers. Details about a memorial service to honor his life will be shared publicly in due course.

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2025-03-06 06:24