Roy Ayers, jazz-funk pioneer behind Everybody Loves the Sunshine, dies aged 84
Source: The Guardian
Thu 6 Mar 2025 03.00 EST
First published on Thu 6 Mar 2025 02.19 EST
Roy Ayers, the jazz-funk pioneer whose hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine has become a summer staple across the globe, has died aged 84. A post on the musician’s official Facebook page said: “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.” Ayers was born in Los Angeles on 10 September 1940. He released his debut album, West Coast Vibes, in 1963 and had a string of solo records.
He then formed his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity and developed his signature jazz-funk sound that featured him on vibraphone, an instrument he was inspired to learn after meeting the jazz musician Lionel Hampton, who gave him a pair of mallets when he was five years old.
In 1976 he released his most famous track, Everybody Loves the Sunshine, a mellow song about lazy summer days. In 2017, Ayers told the Guardian about the process behind the hit.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/mar/06/roy-ayers-jazz-funk-pioneer-everybody-loves-the-sunshine-dies
OMG the music world keeps getting hit. Roy Ayers was classic.
So many seminal works.
R.I.P.
This was the song referenced -
But this one was a big jam -
= new reply since forum marked as read
