We are sad to report that legendary jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers has passed away at the age of 84.
Ayers’ family confirmed to Variety that the vibraphonist, composer, and producer died Tuesday, March 4, following a lengthy illness.
“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 said, describing him as “highly influential and sought after as a music collaborator.”
Born to a musical family on September 10, 1940, in South Central Los Angeles, Ayers began his career as a bebop sideman in the 1960s before forming his own band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, in the early 1970s.
In 1973, Ayers composed and performed the soundtrack to the classic blaxploitation flick Coffy, starring Pam Grier. That same year, he had a role in the sci-fi flick Idaho Transfer. Later in the decade, Ayers transitioned from jazz-funk to R&B with the 1975 album Mystic Voyage.
RELATED: Ten Old School Jams For A Hot Summer Day
Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s most notable hit came in 1976 with the title track to the band’s 7th album, Everybody Loves the Sunshine. Named as one of Pitchfork’s “200 Best Songs of the 1970s,” the track has been covered and sampled by artists such as D’Angelo, Mary J. Blige, Robert Glasper, and more.
Ayers leaves behind his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana.