Jazz-Funk Pioneer And “Godfather of Neo-Soul,” Roy Ayers Dies At 84
Music has lost a legend. Roy Ayers, the vibraphonist and composer who shaped jazz, funk, and neo-soul with timeless hits like Everybody Loves the Sunshine and No Stranger to Love, has passed away at the age of 84.
The music icon died on Tuesday, March 4, in New York City after a long illness, according to a statement shared on his official Facebook account. “He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed,” the statement read. “His family asks that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”
Born in Los Angeles on September 10, 1940, Roy was surrounded by music from an early age. His father played trombone, and his mother was a piano teacher. Those influences would help shape him into one of the most innovative musicians of his time.
Roy was known for pioneering jazz-funk, and his 1976 classic Everybody Loves the Sunshine became one of the most sampled songs in music history. Artists from Mary J. Blige and Common to Kanye West and Tyler, the Creator have used his sounds to create their own magic. According to NPR, the track has been sampled more than 100 times.
Mary J. Blige, 54, has often credited Roy’s work as an influence on her music. In a 2020 interview with PEOPLE, she spoke about Everybody Loves the Sunshine and how it shaped her 1994 song My Life. “It’s definitely one of the most important records of my life,” she said,” and it’s one of my favorite songs ever sampled which is Roy Ayers’ ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine.’”
Leon Thomas, a rising star in R&B, also paid tribute to Roy’s influence. In a November 2024 interview with PEOPLE, the Mutt hitmaker credited the jazz-funk pioneer as an inspiration for his album Electric Dusk.
Roy’s career took off after his 1970 album Ubiquity, which also became the name of his live band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity. His discography includes He’s Coming (1972) and Red, Black & Green (1973). He even made his mark in film, composing the soundtrack for the 1973 blaxploitation thriller Coffy, starring Pam Grier.
A performer at heart, Roy spent his life on stage, from early appearances on Soul Train to headlining an NPR Tiny Desk concert in March 2018. His music has stood the test of time, proving that true artistry never fades.
Roy is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers.
