Roy Ayers, the pioneering jazz-funk musician greatest identified for his track “All people Loves the Sunshine,” has died on the age of 84.
“It’s with nice unhappiness that the household of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York Metropolis after an extended sickness,” learn a publish on the musician’s Fb. “He lived a gorgeous 84 years and might be sorely missed. His household ask that you just respect their privateness at the moment, a celebration of Roy’s life might be forthcoming.”
Ayers, who was born in Los Angeles on September tenth, 1940, launched his debut album, West Aspect Vibes, in 1963, and collaborated with jazz legend Herbie Mann on a lot of recordings. After releasing a handful extra solo jazz albums within the ’60s, he shaped his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity, growing his signature jazz-funk sound.
His signature track “All people Loves the Sunshine” appeared on Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s 1976 album of the identical identify. Recognizable by its modern drone synth word, it’s probably the most sampled tracks of all time, making its method into songs by Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and Mos Def, amongst others.
On creating the track, Ayers instructed The Guardian in 2017, “It was so spontaneous. It felt fantastic. And I knew precisely how I needed it to sound: a mixture of vibraphone, piano and a synthesizer.”
All through the ’70s and ’80s, Ayers scored a lot of hits on the R&B charts, together with “Working Away,” “Freaky Deaky,” and “Let’s Begin Love Over,” amongst others.
Roy Ayers Ubiquity launched their remaining album in 1978, however Ayers continued to launch solo albums into the early 2000s. He performed vibraphone on the track “Cleva” on Erykah Badu’s 2000 album, Mama’s Gun. He additionally lent his musical abilities to tracks by the likes of Alicia Keys, The Roots, and Tyler, The Creator, amongst others.
Ayers would come to be often called the “Godfather of Neo Soul” for his lasting musical affect on artists like Badu and D’Angelo, amongst others.
Our condolences exit to Roy Ayers’ household and pals throughout this tough time. Watch him performing “All people Love the Sunshine” on the 2019 Glastonbury pageant and listen to the unique model beneath.
