ROY Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist and jazz-funk innovator whose music influenced generations of artists, has passed away at the age of 84. According to a Facebook post from his family, Ayers died in New York on March 4 after a prolonged illness.
‘He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed,’ the statement read.
Ayers, widely regarded as a trailblazer in blending jazz, funk, and soul, played a crucial role in expanding the sound of jazz by incorporating electric instruments and R&B grooves. His genre-defying style made him one of the few jazz musicians to achieve significant commercial success.
A musical legacy that spanned decades
With nearly 40 albums to his name, Ayers consistently pushed musical boundaries. His 1976 hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine became one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop, influencing artists such as Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige. Another one of his compositions, Love, was featured in the 1990 dance hit Groove Is in the Heart.
Born in Los Angeles, Ayers grew up surrounded by music. He often recalled receiving his first vibraphone mallets at the age of five from Lionel Hampton, a jazz legend whom his parents admired.
In 1970, he founded Roy Ayers Ubiquity, the band that cemented his status as a musical pioneer. Over the years, he worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Nigerian afrobeat icon Fela Kuti, Whitney Houston, Rick James, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, The Roots, and Tyler, The Creator.
Tributes pour in for a jazz icon
Musicians and public figures alike paid tribute to Ayers following his passing. Questlove, drummer for The Roots, called him ‘the cat who birthed us all in the “vibes only” movement’ and described his music as ‘life-changing.’
Former US presidential candidate Kamala Harris also honoured Ayers, calling him ‘legendary’ and reminiscing about how Everybody Loves the Sunshine was a staple in her household.
‘Our family sends our prayers to Roy’s loved ones and everyone who—like us—has been impacted by his music,’ she wrote on social media.
With a career that spanned over five decades, Ayers’ influence on jazz, funk, and neo-soul remains undeniable. His timeless sound continues to inspire new generations of musicians, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
(With reporting from AFP)
