The great Roy Ayers, the vibraphone master who pioneered neo-soul in the 1970s, died on Tuesday at age 84. The news was shared by his family: “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.”
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Roy grew up in a musical family and, legend has it, was given a set of vibraphone mallets by Lionel Hampton when he was just five. Vibraphone would become the instrument most closely associated with Ayers’ music and a signature of his sound which blended jazz, R&B, soul and funk into what would become known as neo-soul with records like Virgo Vibes, Lifeline, and Everybody Loves the Sunshine. The title track of the latter was his signature song which has been sampled by Dr Dre & Mary J Blige, Common, J Cole, Band Nubian, Mos Def, and Joey Bada$$ to name just a few.
Ayers continued to make music and play live until very recently.
Rest easy, Roy. Thanks for all the good vibes.
Tyler, the Creator, who collaborated with Ayers on “Find Your Wings,” posted a tribute, which reads: “rest in peace Roy Ayers. i learned it all from that man. i tried to speak of his name as much as i could. he is the base of my sound. a true alien. very very very very special human. safe travels.”
LCD Soundsystem also paid tribute by walking out to “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” at their first show of 2025: