Jazz-funk legend Roy Ayers dies at 84
What's the story
Legendary jazz-funk musician Roy Ayers has died at the age of 84.
His official Facebook page confirmed the news on Thursday, stating that he died in New York City on Tuesday, March 4, after a prolonged illness.
"It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing," the statement read.
Musical legacy
Ayers's journey from LA to global fame
Ayers was born on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles. He released his first album, West Coast Vibes, in 1963 and produced several solo records.
Inspired by jazz musician Lionel Hampton, Ayers learned to play the vibraphone—an instrument that would define his signature jazz-funk sound.
He later formed his own band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity.
Signature hit
Ayers's iconic track 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine'
In 1976, Ayers released his iconic track, Everybody Loves the Sunshine. The song was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York on a hot summer day.
"I just got this phrase in my head," he told The Guardian in 2017. "'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 felt wonderful."
Lasting impact
'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' became a sampling favorite
Ayers's iconic track has been sampled in several songs by artists like Mary J Blige, Common, and Mos Def.
The musician once said, "The song 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, by everyone from Dr Dre to Pharrell Williams."
His prolific output made him the "Godfather of Neo Soul."
May he rest in peace.