Roy Ayers, jazz-funk icon, passes away at 84

His family announced his passing on March 4th.

Photo credit: Roy Ayers – Facebook

Legendary vibraphonist, composer, and jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers has died at the age of 84.

His family confirmed his passing on March 4th, 2025 after a long illness, stating, “He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed.”

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers mastered the vibraphone early in life and became a key figure in jazz-funk through his band Roy Ayers’ Ubiquity in the 1970s. His innovative fusion earned him the title “The King of Neo-Soul” from Erykah Badu.

His most famous work, ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine,’ became one of history’s most sampled tracks. Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists like Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Fela Kuti, while also composing for film and exploring house music in his later years.

Check below the passing’s official post and Roy’s performance of ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ at Glastonbury 2019.