The esteemed American musician Roy Ayers has passed away, a fact that has been confirmed.
A statement from his family announced the news, revealing that Roy Ayers died in New York following a prolonged illness. He was 84 years old.
The family’s note expresses:
It is with great sorrow that we, the family of the iconic vibraphonist, composer, and producer Roy Ayers, share his passing, which took place on March 4th, 2025, in New York City after a long illness. He enjoyed a remarkable 84 years and will be dearly missed. The family requests privacy during this time, and a celebration of Roy’s life will be organized soon.
Born in Los Angeles, Roy Ayers became immersed in the West Coast jazz scene as a teenager. A multi-talented artist, he started as a vocalist, transitioned to producing, and honed his skills on the vibraphone.
In the early 1970s, he established Roy Ayers Ubiquity, fusing jazz-funk and R&B into a smooth sound perfect for the dance floor. Hits like ‘Running Away’ followed, as his work flirted with the edges of disco while maintaining its unique character.
Celebrated by music enthusiasts, Roy Ayers’ discography was instrumental in defining the UK’s rare groove movement, and his live performances became legendary.
The Jazz Cafe in London served as a second home for Roy Ayers, with the venue’s team honoring him with an emotional tribute on social media:
Roy Ayers exemplified the genuine joy that music can spread, brightening rooms like the sunshine he often spoke of.
We are heartbroken to learn of the legendary vibraphonist and jazz-funk innovator’s passing, and we feel fortunate to have shared so many unforgettable nights with him at our venue.
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Roy Ayers dedicated himself to his craft, with his final tour including a stop at the remarkable Cross The Tracks festival in South London. In a 10-minute rendition of his iconic song ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’, he demonstrated that music is timeless.
One of his last releases was under the Jazz Is Dead label, who stated:
We are profoundly saddened by the loss of the legendary Roy Ayers. A true pioneer, Roy transformed and invigorated the musical landscape through countless generations. His sound served as a backdrop for every era he influenced, with ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ becoming an anthem for many of us.
Rest in power, Roy Ayers.
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It has been confirmed that the renowned American musician Roy Ayers has passed away. A statement released by the family has verified this information, stating that Roy Ayers has died in