Roy Ayers, the influential jazz-funk pioneer and vibraphonist, passed away on March 4, 2025, in New York City at age 84 after a prolonged illness.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers' musical journey began at age five when legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton gave him his first pair of mallets at a concert. This encounter would shape his future as one of music's most innovative performers.

In the 1970s, Ayers found his signature sound with Roy Ayers Ubiquity, his band that masterfully blended soulful horns, funk grooves, and jazz improvisation. His most celebrated composition, "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" (1976), became a timeless classic that continues to influence musicians across genres.

The track has been covered by numerous artists, including D'Angelo and the Robert Glasper Experiment, and sampled by hip-hop legends like Tupac Shakur, Mary J. Blige, and Dr. Dre. His influence extended into modern music through collaborations with contemporary artists such as Alicia Keys, The Roots, Tyler the Creator, and Erykah Badu, who dubbed him the "king of neo-soul."

Ayers' musical legacy lives on through hundreds of samples by artists across multiple generations, cementing his position as a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz, funk, and soul music.

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