Roy Ayers, influential jazz artist known best for his hit “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” died Tuesday in New York at the age of 84.
His family shared a statement March 5 on Facebook confirming the star’s death.
“He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed,” the family wrote on social media. Ayers was a talented musician that left an unforgettable mark in the music industry. His work has been sampled and covered by a number of hip hop and R&B artists, including Kanye West, Common, Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, Tyler the Creator, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Ayer’s hit song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” has more than 130 million streams on Spotify as of Thursday morning, and that number continues to grow.
The talented musician was a true pioneer of jazz-funk and played a highly influential role in the neo-soul movement. He released dozens of albums as a solo artist, dating as far back as 1963.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 30: Roy Ayers perfroms onstage during the Bayfront Miami Jazz Festival 2021 at Bayfront Park on April 30, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
In the early years of his career, Ayers teamed up with jazz flutist Herbie Mann to record three albums under Atlantic Records. They released “Virgo Vibes,” “Stoned Soul Picnic” and “Daddy Bug.” He wrote and produced the soundtrack for the film “Coffy,” starring Pam Grier. He formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity, where his biggest hit was written and produced, which also became the title tack from their 1976 album, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.”
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 30: Roy Ayers perfroms onstage during the Bayfront Miami Jazz Festival 2021 at Bayfront Park on April 30, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
Ayers’ last solo album “Mahogany Vibe” was released in 2004, and featured guest appearances by Betty White, Erykah Badu, and Kamilah.
He made a guest appearance on Tyler the Creator’s track, “Find Your Wings,” in 2015 and performed at his Camp Flog Gnaw festival in 2017. He teamed up with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest) to release the album “Roy Ayers JID002,” released through the Jazz Is Dead label, in 2020.
LEDBURY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: American funk composer and vibraphone player Roy Ayers performs on stage during the final day of The Big Chill Festival 2010 at Eastnor Castle Deer Park on August 8, 2010 in Ledbury, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andy Sheppard/Redferns/Getty Images)
His family noted in its statement that “a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming,” but details have not been shared as of Thursday morning. (RELATED: Dolly Parton Shares Devastating News Of Her Husband’s Death)
Fans and loved ones are keeping Ayers’ memory alive by paying tribute to the talented artist on social media while saying their final goodbyes.
Ayers is survived by his wife Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers.
