Roy Ayers, renowned vibraphonist and composer, died on March 4, 2025, in New York City at the age of 84 after a long illness. He was introduced to the vibraphone at age five and later studied music theory. His career began with his 1963 album, "West Coast Vibes." Notably, he produced the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film "Coffy" in 1973. His 1976 hit, "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," has been widely covered and sampled, showcasing his significant influence in music across decades, including collaborations with prominent artists.
It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4, 2025 in New York City after a long illness.
Ayers's first album, West Coast Vibes, dropped in 1963, marking the beginning of a prominent career that would see him influence countless artists.
His band, the Roy Ayers Ubiquity, released 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' in 1976, a song that has been sampled or interpolated over 150 times.
Ayers maintained a presence in music throughout the decades, with notable samples appearing in songs by artists like A Tribe Called Quest and Snoop Dogg.
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