The Godfather Of Neo-Soul: Celebrating The Legendary Life Of Roy Ayers

This week, the music world mourns the loss of one of its legendary figures, as vibraphonist, record producer, and composer Roy Ayers passed away at the age of 84 on March 4th. His contributions to music are vast, and his impact is still felt today. Continue reading to learn more about this musical icon and his influential journey.

Roy Ayers was born and raised in Los Angeles, California in a family deeply rooted in music. His father was a trombone player, and his mother played the piano, which laid the groundwork for Ayers’ musical upbringing. At the tender age of five, he was introduced to his first vibraphone mallets, igniting a passion that would follow him throughout his life. Growing up in South Central, an area that was a hub for the Southern California Black music scene, Ayers was immersed in a vibrant cultural environment.

While attending Thomas Jefferson High School, he participated in the church choir and also played the steel guitar and piano for a band called The Latin Lyrics. In 1962, Ayers began his recording career as a bebop sideman, and in the following year, he released his debut studio album, West Coast Vibes. Although he was beginning to carve out a name for himself, it was his collaboration with jazz flautist Herbie Mann in 1966 that would significantly propel his career forward.

By the early 1970s, Ayers founded his own band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, which became instrumental in his musical evolution. His score for the 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy marked a transition from jazz-funk to R&B, showcasing a style that would define his subsequent works. Albums like Mystic Voyage (1975) and Everybody Loves the Sunshine (1976) highlighted this new sound, with the latter becoming one of his signature tracks. In 1977, he achieved his biggest hit with “Running Away.” Over the decades, Ayers continued to thrive as a solo artist, solidifying his place in music history.

Credited as one of the pioneers of jazz-funk and acid jazz, Ayers combined smooth jazz, funk, and soul, playing a vital role in the advancement of Black music. His unique ability to traverse genres kept him relevant throughout his five-decade career, endearing him to jazz aficionados and popular music enthusiasts alike. His influence can be heard in the works of numerous contemporary musicians and producers. Many artists and creators have sampled his music or incorporated his tracks into various media.

In honor of Roy Ayers, we have curated a gallery of R&B songs and television shows that have either sampled or featured the iconic track, ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine.’ Join us as we celebrate his legacy and the countless ways he has inspired others in the industry.

1. Mary J. Blige – My Life

Source: Mary J Blige

2. TLC – My Life

Source: TLC

3. Tracie Spencer – Not Gonna Cry

Source: Tracie Spencer - Topic

4. Nicole Wray ft. Jay-Z – Regrets

Source: fatbeatsbc

5. Mary J. Blige ft. 50 Cent – MJB da MVP

Source: Mary J Blige

6. The Dream – Outkast

Source: M. Marto

7. Teedra Moses – You’re So Different

Source: TEEDRA MOSES

8. Dreezy – Ready

Source: Dreezy

9. D’Angelo – Everybody Loves The Sunshine

Source: Sweetheart504

10. Incognito – Everybody Loves The Sunshine

11. Straight Outta Compton

Source: Hyerin Hyun

12. The Babysitter

Source: Rizky Darma

13. Snowfall

Source: Brandon Brown (BB)

Rest in peace to the Godfather of Neo-Soul, Roy Ayers!

Roy, Ayers, neoso, soul, music