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. He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family ask that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.
Reacting to Roy Ayers’s death news, Paul Clifford said “If this is true I won’t be able to process this one … the best to ever do it. Just love him so much. Sourced from Pete Bbe – Roy is on his label”
Antony J Carter said “I’m so sorry to report that it’s been confirmed by Marks Adams Roy’s Musical Director who phoned Roy’s wife & daughter that he has passed and I wish with all my heart goes out to Roy’s Family & Friends my deepest thoughts & condolences 
”
Ayers is survived by his three children, who now carry forward his musical legacy. His contributions to jazz, funk, and soul will continue to resonate, ensuring that his influence endures for generations to come.
Born on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, Roy Ayers was raised in a deeply musical household. His father played trombone, and his mother was a pianist, ensuring music was an integral part of his upbringing. At just five years old, Ayers received his first vibraphone mallets from jazz great Lionel Hampton, a symbolic moment that foreshadowed his extraordinary career.
Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, a cultural hub for Black musicians, Ayers was exposed to the rich sounds of jazz and R&B. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School, a breeding ground for jazz talent, where he honed his skills alongside future jazz legends like Dexter Gordon.
Ayers began his professional music career in the 1960s as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several albums under Atlantic Records. However, it was his transition to Polydor Records in the 1970s that cemented his legacy. There, he pioneered the jazz-funk genre, blending smooth vibraphone melodies with deep funk grooves and soul influences.
His 1976 album Everybody Loves the Sunshine became a defining work, with the title track standing as one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop and R&B history. Over the decades, Ayers’ music was embraced by artists like Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, and Erykah Badu, further solidifying his impact across genres.
