Roy Ayers “Godfather of Neo-Soul” Dies At 84—Hip-Hop Legends Pay Tribute
Roy Ayers, the jazz-funk pioneer and “Godfather of Neo Soul,” leaves behind a timeless musical legacy that continues to encourage generations.
Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz vibraphonist and revered “Godfather of Neo Soul,” handed away on Tuesday (March 4), in New York Metropolis on the age of 84 after a protracted sickness.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers was launched to the vibraphone at simply 5 years previous when jazz nice Lionel Hampton gifted him a pair of mallets. His profession spanned over six a long time, starting along with his debut solo album, West Coast Vibes, in 1963.
Within the early Seventies, Ayers fashioned his band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, pioneering a fusion of jazz, funk, and soul. His 1976 basic, “Everyone Loves the Sunshine,” grew to become one among his most iconic tracks, later sampled by Hip-Hop icons reminiscent of Model Nubian, Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, J. Cole, and Tupac Shakur.
Reflecting on the tune’s creation, the vibraphonist recalled the inspiration putting him spontaneously whereas recording at Jimi Hendrix’s New York studio.
“It was a stupendous, sizzling, sunny day and I simply acquired this phrase in my head: ‘Everyone loves the sunshine,’” Ayers advised The Guardian in 2017. “The tune modified all the pieces for me. It’s nonetheless the final tune of my present. Individuals at all times take part and it’s been sampled over 100 instances, by everybody from Dr Dre to Pharrell Williams. It appears to seize each era. Everyone loves the sunshine – besides Dracula.”
Ayers performed a pivotal function in shaping the acid jazz and neo-soul actions and influenced generations of artists throughout jazz, R&B, and Hip-Hop. His music continues to resonate, with samples showing within the works of Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and numerous others.
Roy Ayers’ household issued an announcement saying his passing on social media and confirming an occasion to have fun his life.
“It’s with nice disappointment the household of legendary vibraphonist Roy Ayers announce his passing on March 4th, 2025 in New York Metropolis,” the assertion reads. “He lived a stupendous 84 years and will likely be sorely missed. A celebration of Roy’s life will likely be forthcoming.”
Following the announcement of his passing, musicians from throughout genres paid tribute to Roy Ayers’ enduring legacy.
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