Roy Ayers, Jazz-Funk Musician Behind ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine,’ Dies at 84

The jazz vibraphonist died on March 4 in New York City after battling a long illness.

Roy Ayers performs during Arroyo Seco Weekend at the Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena, Calif., on June 24, 2017. Rich Fury/Getty Images for Arroyo Seco Weekend

Roy Ayers Jr., a pioneering jazz-funk artist widely hailed as the “Godfather of Neo Soul,” has died at the age of 84.

Ayers passed away on March 4 in New York City after battling a long illness, his family confirmed on Wednesday via the musician’s official Facebook page.

“It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing,” the statement reads.

“He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family ask that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”

In his last Facebook post before his death, published in July 2023, Ayers announced that he would be canceling all of his scheduled performances that year due to health complications stemming from a recent bout with COVID-19.

“We had high hopes I would recover in time, but all parties involved believe this is the best course of action for now,” he penned.

“Once I have had proper time to heal and move past this I will be looking to get back to work. Thank you all for your understanding.”

‘Godfather of Neo Soul’

Born on Sept. 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, Ayers followed in the musical footsteps of his parents. His mother, Ruby Ayers, was a piano instructor; his father, Roy Ayers Sr., played the trombone, per his online biography.

Ayers began playing the piano at age 5, picking up the steel guitar four years later. By his teens, he had also mastered the flute, trumpet, and drums. However, it was at the age of 17 that his parents gifted him his instrument of choice—a vibraphone.

“My family was a very, very heavy influence on my life because my mother and father took me to see Lionel Hampton when I was five years old, and he gave me a set of vibraphone mallets,” Ayers told Bonafide Magazine in 2016.

“I became fascinated by [the vibraphone] when my family bought me a set of vibes, so it was like a very important vehicle. I was gonna play the vibes naturally but when I was listening to certain songs that are using the same thing, it really made me feel good about it. I fell in love with the vibes.”

Ayers learned how to play the percussion instrument, which resembles a xylophone but with tuned metal bars, with the guidance of Bobby Hutcherson, then an up-and-coming jazz vibraphonist. While still in high school, Ayers formed his first music group, the Jefferson Combo, which he later renamed the Latin Lyrics.

After studying music theory at Los Angeles City College, Ayers debuted his first album, “West Coast Vibes,” in 1963. Subsequent albums released that decade include “Virgo Vibes” (1967) and “Daddy Bug” (1969).

The prolific musician put out more than 40 albums throughout his six-decades-long career. He is best known for his 1970s chart-topping albums, including “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” (1976), “Lifeline” (1977), and “No Stranger To Love” (1979).

‘Unmatched Talent’

The vibraphonist’s lasting influence on the music industry was marked by an outpouring of online tributes following his death.

“Roy Ayers gave this world with so much good music. Unmatched talent and spirit. RIP,” internet personality Derek Guy wrote on the social media platform X.

Jazz, funk, and soul radio broadcaster Robbie Vincent described Ayers as “a lovely man and a wonderful musician.”

“Really really sad to hear the news that Roy Ayers has left us,” Vincent shared.

“Another massive loss with a huge legacy that touched us all,” British singer-songwriter Omar Lye-Fook wrote on Instagram.

“Thank You for all the Sunshine. Rest in Heaven,” shared composer and clarinetist Angel Bat Dawid.

Musician Natasha Diggs also issued a touching tribute online, calling Ayers one of her biggest musical inspirations.

“Thank you for a beautiful life lived blessing us with timeless music from the Soul touching our hearts, elevating us, bringing us Joy, making us dance,” she penned.

“There has been a Roy song for almost every situation and moment in my life .. so grateful to be alive in the same timeline and know and be so deeply influenced by his music.

“Grateful to have had the opportunity to share the stage with this master a few times over the years ... Rest Well King! Will be keeping your legacy alive and playing your records forever.”