The world just lost a musical giant. Roy Ayers, the vibraphonist, composer, and all-around groove master, passed away on March 4, 2025, at the age of 84. If you’ve ever found yourself vibing to a smooth, sun-soaked melody, chances are, you were listening to Ayers—whether you knew it or not. His influence runs deep, shaping jazz, funk, neo-soul, and even hip-hop. From crate-digging producers to festival crowds grooving under the summer sun, his music still resonates.
So, let’s take a moment to celebrate the legend, his game-changing sound, and the legacy he leaves behind.
A Kid With a Vibraphone and a Dream
Roy Ayers’ musical journey started early. Born in Los Angeles in 1940, he was practically destined to make music—his dad played the trombone, and his mom was a pianist. But it was a life-changing moment at a Lionel Hampton concert that set the course of his career. Five-year-old Roy was handed a pair of vibraphone mallets, and from that moment on, the vibes were his instrument of choice.
By the 1960s, Ayers had made a name for himself in the jazz world, playing alongside greats like Herbie Mann. But sticking to one genre? Not his style. He wanted to experiment, blend, and evolve—and that’s exactly what he did.
The Birth of Jazz-Funk
The 1970s were Ayers’ time to shine. He formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity, and that name couldn’t have been more fitting—his sound was everywhere. Jazz met funk, soul, and groove-driven rhythms, and suddenly, he was creating a whole new musical lane. Albums like He’s Coming (1971) and Red, Black & Green (1973) laid the foundation, but it was the Coffy (1973) soundtrack—yes, the Pam Grier blaxploitation classic—that showed his ability to create cinematic, deeply funky soundscapes.
Then came the song that defined his career.
Everybody Loves the Sunshine—An Anthem That Never Gets Old
If summer had a soundtrack, this song would be on it. Released in 1976, Everybody Loves the Sunshine is one of those timeless tracks that instantly lifts your mood. It’s mellow, hypnotic, and effortlessly cool. And even if you don’t think you know it, you do—because it’s been sampled over 100 times by hip-hop, R&B, and electronic artists. Mary J. Blige, Common, Dr. Dre, and Kendrick Lamar have all borrowed from Ayers’ work, keeping his music alive for new generations.
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Ayers shared the inspiration behind the hit. He recorded it at Electric Lady Studios in New York on a hot summer day. “I just got this phrase in my head,” he 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.”
And that’s the magic of Roy Ayers—his music transcends time.
The Godfather of Neo-Soul
Ayers didn’t just inspire musicians; he built bridges between genres. Long before neo-soul had a name, he was laying its foundation. His work influenced artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Pharrell Williams, who’ve all cited him as a major inspiration. He even collaborated with Badu on Mama’s Gun in 2000, proving that his sound was as fresh as ever.
Even in his later years, Ayers never stopped creating. In 2020, he dropped Roy Ayers JID002 with producers Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, blending his signature sound with modern production. His energy, creativity, and love for music never faded.
A Legacy That Lives On
Roy Ayers’ music is woven into the fabric of modern sound. Whether through his original recordings, the countless artists who’ve sampled him, or the musicians he’s inspired, his influence is everywhere.
So, the next time you need a song to soundtrack a sunny afternoon, put on Everybody Loves the Sunshine and let it remind you of the genius who made the world groove. Rest easy, Roy. Your vibes live on.
