Roy Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist and musician best known for his 1976 album Everybody Loves the Sunshine, has passed away at the age of 84. His family announced his passing in a statement shared on Ayers’ official Facebook page on March 5.

“It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York City after a long illness. He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family ask that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”

Roy Ayers, born on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, was a groundbreaking vibraphonist, composer, and producer who bridged the gap between jazz, funk, and R&B. Known as the “Godfather of Neo-Soul,” Ayers left an indelible mark on multiple genres, influencing generations of musicians with his innovative sound.

Ayers’ musical journey began in his childhood, inspired by his mother, a pianist and schoolteacher. By the 1960s, he was a sought-after vibraphonist, working with jazz greats such as Herbie Mann, who played a pivotal role in his transition from traditional jazz to jazz-funk fusion. In 1971, Ayers formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity, a group that became a cornerstone of the emerging jazz-funk movement.

His 1976 album Everybody Loves the Sunshine remains his most iconic work, with the title track becoming a timeless classic, sampled by countless hip-hop and R&B artists, including Mary J. Blige and Common. Throughout his prolific career, Ayers released over 30 albums, blending jazz with soul, funk, and disco. Tracks like Searching, Running Away, and We Live in Brooklyn, Baby solidified his status as a musical visionary.

Ayers’ influence extended beyond his own recordings; he collaborated with artists such as Fela Kuti and contributed to the development of acid jazz and neo-soul. He later collaborated with a wide range of R&B and hip-hop artists, including Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Mary J. Blige, and Tyler, The Creator, among many others. His music found new audiences through samples in hip-hop, reinforcing his status as a bridge between past and present music.