Rest In Peace Roy Ayers

He was one of the seminal artists of the past century who helped define both R&B and jazz, and it would be tough to find a performer more universally adored by his peers. In a year that has already taken too many all-time greats, we are sad to report that another giant is gone: Roy Ayers.

Ayers’ family posted the following on social media: It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York City after a long illness. 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.

The Los Angeles born vibraphonist began his love of music as a child, likely inspired by his parents: his mother was a local piano instructor and his father a trombonist. He was playing piano as a young child and naturally picked up multiple instruments such as flute, trumpet and drums. Ultimately, he gravitated to the vibraphone, and developed into a legend on that instrument.

Ayers started recording as a sideman in the early 60s, landing a spot working with legendary jazz flutist Herbie Mann. By the end of that decade, he stepped out on his own, forming Roy Ayers Ubiquity and becoming a true pioneer in the merging of R&B and jazz. His broad vision took shape throughout the early 70s, coming to fruition on his smash 1976 album, Everybody Loves The Sunshine.

During the late 70s and early 80s, Ayers continued to perform with his band – scoring hits on the soul and dance charts such as the top ten “Don’t Stop The Feeling” – while also producing a number of other artists. He also toured the world repeatedly, finding inspiration in the sounds of Africa that shaped his own music.

Ayers’ music became influential to the hip-hop and house communities, but nowhere was it revered more than in the generation of neo-soul artists that emerged in the 1990s, leading Ayers to be dubbed the “Godfather of Neo-soul.” He worked with many of that decade’s greats, including Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest and Erykah Badu.

By the turn of the new century, Ayers was again on the move, experimenting with house music and collaborating with many of the great, such as Master at Work. In 2015, SoulTracks honored him with the SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his influence beyond the jazz scene. Five years later, Ayers partnered with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad for the critically acclaimed Jazz Is Dead album.

Throughout the 21st century, Ayers continued to tour regularly, both as a headliner and as part of multi-artist shows, demonstrating his musical chops well into his 80s. His passing marks another sad milestone for 2025, but he will be an artist whose music – and musical influence – will continue for years to come

Artist

Roy Ayers

Born:

10th September 1940

Passed

4th March 2025

Artist Bio

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