Roy Ayers, the influential jazz-funk composer and vibraphonist, died on March 4 in New York at the age of 84. Born in Los Angeles, he became known for his distinctive vibraphone sound and significant contributions to music, including hits with his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity. His work laid the groundwork for neo-soul and heavily influenced hip-hop artists through extensive sampling. Throughout his career, Ayers collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, from disco singers to contemporary artists, and also ventured into film scoring, further solidifying his legacy in the music world.
Ayers' music splayed his pillowy vibraphone tones across languid jazz-funk grooves that formed the bedrock for neo-soul and, through sampling, much of West Coast hip-hop.
He remained a prolific collaborator, producing for disco artists and working with a new wave of talent including Erykah Badu, Tyler, the Creator, and Guru.
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