Roy Ayers, Everybody Loves the Sunshine musician, dies at 84

Roy Ayers, a highly regarded musician known for his iconic track 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine,' has sadly passed away at the age of 84. His family announced the news, stating, 'It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4 2025 in New York City after a long illness. ' They described him as a highly influential figure in the music industry, known for his collaborations with many artists. While 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' is perhaps his most famous song, Ayers was much more than just that one hit. He was a pioneer in the genres of nu-soul and jazz funk, and he played a significant role in the acid jazz movement that emerged in the 1990s. Many contemporary artists, including Pharrell Williams, have cited Ayers as one of their greatest musical inspirations. Throughout the 1990s, Ayers had a profound impact on numerous RnB and hip-hop artists. His earlier works were sampled by influential groups and singers such as Tribe Called Quest, Mary J Blige, and Jill Scott, who incorporated his music into their own tracks like 'Bonita Applebaum,' 'My Life,' and 'Watching Me. ' He also collaborated with notable artists like Guru and The Roots. Erykah Badu referred to him as 'the king of neo soul,' highlighting his importance in the genre. More recently, Calvin Harris expressed his admiration for Ayers on BBC Radio 2, stating that his music was 'amazing and just so intricate. everything just sounds so rich and warm. ' Ayers was a regular performer at the Glastonbury music festival, with his last appearance taking place in 2019. He also composed the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film 'Coffy,' which starred Pam Grier. Ayers was a multi-talented musician who could play various instruments, including the flute and trumpet, but he became best known for his mastery of the vibraphone, a percussion instrument that resembles a xylophone but features metal bars instead of wooden ones. In addition to 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine,' some of his other notable hits include 'Running Away' and 'Searchin',' which he performed with his band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity. Born on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, Roy Edward Ayers Jr came from a musical family. His mother, Ruby, was both a school teacher and a piano instructor, while his father, Roy Sr, worked as a parking attendant and played the trombone. Ayers began his musical journey at the tender age of five when he started playing the piano and later sang in the church choir. His passion for the vibraphone was sparked by a concert he attended at just five years old, where jazz legend Lionel Hampton performed. Hampton was so impressed by Ayers's enthusiasm that he gifted him a pair of vibe mallets, which further fueled his interest in music. During his time at Jefferson High School, Ayers formed his first band, aptly named the Jefferson Combo. He later pursued advanced music theory studies in college and became a professional musician in 1961. Ayers recorded three albums with jazz flautist Herbie Mann before establishing his own band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, and achieving widespread success with 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' in 1976, which was part of the album of the same name. His final solo album, 'Mahogany Vibes,' featuring Erykah Badu, was released in 2004. Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and they plan to hold a celebration of Roy's life in the near future.