Roy Ayers, legendary ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ musician, dies at 84

Roy Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist and musician behind 1976’s album “All people Loves the Sunshine,” has died. He was 84.

The musical artist’s household shared the information on Ayers’ Fb on March 5, expressing their “nice disappointment.”

“It’s with nice disappointment that the household of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York Metropolis after an extended sickness,” the assertion reads. “He lived an exquisite 84 years and shall be sorely missed.”

The assertion famous that his household asks that folks respect their privateness presently. “A celebration of Roy’s life shall be forthcoming,” the message concluded.

Born in Los Angeles in September 1940, Ayers grew up round a musical background and beloved music from a younger age.

“If I didn’t have music I wouldn’t even need to be right here,” Ayers advised the Los Angeles Occasions in 2011. “It’s like an escape when there isn’t a escape. An escape for momentary moments.”

He shared how when he was 5-years-old he obtained his first set of mallets from vibraphonist and percussionist Lionel Hampton whereas on the Paramount Theater.

“On the time, my mom and father advised me he laid some non secular vibes on me,” Ayers mentioned on the time, including that later he picked up the vibraphones at age 17.

“It’s humorous, I began enjoying vibes once I was 17 and I nonetheless like it. The one distinction now could be that I’ve turned the 17 round to 71,” Ayers advised the outlet.

With a profession spanning over six a long time, Ayers launched his first album “West Coast Vibes” in 1963, adopted by information like “Virgo Vibes” (1967) and “Stoned Soul Picnic” (1968), amongst dozen others.

Ayers grew to become often called a pioneer in jazz-funk, with a slew of musicians sampling his music. He would go on to collaborate with R&B and hip-hop artists like Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, The Roots Mary J. Blige and Tyler, The Creator, amongst many others.