Roy Ayers, renowned for his seminal track “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” has passed away at the age of 84. Ayers’ family confirmed the musician’s death on his Facebook page: “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.” A specific cause of death was not disclosed. The celebrated jazz vibraphonist, known affectionately as the Godfather of Neo Soul, left a profound impact on acid jazz and hip-hop through his innovative fusion sound.
With hits like “Running Away” and “Hot” – which both cracked the Top 20 of Billboard‘s R&B chart – Ayers’ music became a popular source for sampling by artists such as Kendrick Lamar, A Tribe Called Quest, Tyler, the Creator, and other contemporary musicians. But it was Ayers’ 1976 album, Everybody Loves the Sunshine, and its enduring title track, that defined his musical legacy. “The song changed everything for me,” Ayers told The Guardian. “It’s still the last song of my show. People always join in, and it’s been sampled over 100 times, by everyone from Dr. Dre to Pharrell Williams. It seems to capture every generation. Everybody loves the sunshine.” (Rolling Stone)