Roy Ayers, producer called "the Godfather of Neo Soul," has died

His ambient single "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" has become a jazz/funk classic.

Roy Ayers, the vibraphonist and producer behind a highly-sampled sunny single, has died. He was 84 years old.

“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 note from his Facebook reads. “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.”

Ayers was born in Los Angeles in 1940. His parents had a love of music, taking him to see vibraphonist Lionel Hampton when he was a young child. Upon meeting, Hampton gifted him vibraphone mallets, though Ayers did not begin playing the instrument until his late teens.

He released his first album, West Coast Vibes, in 1963. His work found new fame during the Blaxploitation era, when he was tapped to produce the soundtrack for 1973’s Coffy. A song from the album, “Escape,” later appeared in another Pam Grier-led film, Jackie Brown.

“Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” the jazz legend’s most popular cut, was recorded with his group, Roy Ayers Ubiquity. It released on his album of the same name in 1976. It was deeply influential, going on to be sampled or covered by Mary J. Blige, J. Cole., D’Angelo, Tupac, Yasiin Bey (then known as Mos Def), and more. He embraced the use of his records, and of newer artists as a whole.

“A lot of people sample my music, a lot of artists,” Ayers said in a 2016 interview with Bonafide Mag. “And I’m very happy they sampled it because I feel good about it. I feel very good about it.”

His imprint on the groove-based soul music of the 1990s earned him the title “the Godfather of Neo Soul.” He counted Erykah Badu and Tyler, the Creator, as collaborators.

Ayers had four children, including author and music executive Nabil Ayers.

Ayers’ daughter, Ayana, went on to work as the producer’s manager. Ayers married her mother, Argerie, in 1973. The couple had another child, a son, named Mtume.

“It’s wonderful, the desire young people express for my music,” he said in an interview with DMY Mag. “It’s wonderful because I'm still growing in popularity.”

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