Roy Ayers, the pioneering vibraphonist and jazz-funk icon whose timeless hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine became a global summer anthem, has passed away at the age of 84.
A statement from his family, shared on his official Facebook page, confirmed his passing on March 4, 2025, in New York City after a long illness. “He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family asks for privacy at this time, and a celebration of his life will be forthcoming,” the post read.
A Trailblazer in Jazz and Funk
Born in Los Angeles on September 10, 1940, Ayers began his musical journey at a young age. His passion for the vibraphone was sparked when jazz legend Lionel Hampton gifted him a pair of mallets at just five years old. By 1963, he released his debut album, West Coast Vibes, marking the start of a prolific career.
Ayers soon developed his signature jazz-funk sound, forming Roy Ayers Ubiquity, a band that blended jazz, funk, and soul in a way that resonated across generations.
A Timeless Hit
In 1976, Ayers recorded Everybody Loves the Sunshine at Electric Lady Studios in New York during a sweltering summer day. “I just got this phrase in my head,” he once recalled. “Everybody loves the sunshine. I started singing: ‘Feel what I feel, when I feel what I feel, what I’m feeling.’ Then I started thinking about summer imagery … It was so spontaneous. It felt wonderful.”
The song became one of the most sampled tracks in jazz history, influencing countless artists. It found new life in Mary J. Blige’s My Life, Common’s Book of Life, and Mos Def’s Life Is Real, among many others. Dr. Dre and Pharrell Williams also drew inspiration from Ayers’ work, ensuring his sound remained relevant for decades.
A Lasting Legacy
Ayers’ impact on music was undeniable. His extensive catalog spanned multiple genres, and by the time Everybody Loves the Sunshine was released, he had already recorded more than a dozen albums. His contributions earned him the title “Godfather of Neo Soul”, a testament to his lasting influence on modern R&B and hip-hop.
Even in his later years, Ayers remained an active performer, headlining festivals worldwide, including London’s Maiden Voyage in 2019. Reflecting on his most famous song, he once said, “It changed everything for me. It’s still the last song of my show. People always join in, and it’s been sampled over 100 times. It seems to capture every generation. Everybody loves the sunshine—except Dracula.”
Roy Ayers leaves behind a legacy of innovation, groove, and soul that will continue to inspire musicians and fans for generations to come.
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