The late jazz-funk legend Roy Ayers.
Image: Roy Ayers Instagram
In an emotional ode to one of music's greats, GoodHope FM's DJ Eazy has paid tribute to the beloved jazz-funk artist Roy Ayers, who passed away on March 4, 2025, in New York City after battling a prolonged illness.
“Rest In Peace Roy Ayers. Thank you for the music,” Eazy expressed in a heartfelt message shared on his official Instagram page, confirming the loss of the legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer.
A statement shared on Thursday, March 6 through the 84-year-old musician’s official Facebook page confirmed that he passed away in New York City on Wednesday, March 4 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 celebrated for nurturing a unique sound that effortlessly blended jazz and funk. Born into a musical family in Los Angeles, he released his debut album “West Coast Vibes” in 1963, laying the groundwork for a prolific career that would see him become one of the most influential figures in modern music.
His mastery of the vibraphone, inspired by jazz trailblazer Lionel Hampton, defined his signature sound. In 1976, he released the iconic track “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”, a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
The song has been sampled over 100 times, and embraced by a variety of artists including Mary J. Blige, Common and Mos Def, reminding us of the indelible mark Ayers left on the music landscape.
“The song changed everything for me... It’s still the last song of my show,” he once reflected, highlighting the joy it brought to both himself and his audiences.
Over his extensive career, Ayers not only released multiple solo records but he also formed the influential band Roy Ayers Ubiquity. His later works in the years leading up to his farewell shows in 2023 saw him collaborating with various musicians from diverse genres, including Erykah Badu, and members of iconic hip hop groups like A Tribe Called Quest and The Roots.
The release of his final album, “Roy Ayers JID002”, a collaboration with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad in 2020, was a testament to his unwavering creativity.
Ayers's impact extended far beyond the United States. His tours included performances in South Africa, where he graced the stage at the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival, earning him accolades and admiration from fans around the world. Following his passing, heartfelt tributes have poured in, celebrating a visionary artist whose music represented the essence of summer and the promise of brighter days.
On social media platform X, Defected Records honoured Ayers, stating: “Rest in Peace, Roy Ayers. Another monumental loss for music… he made that vibraphone sound like magic.”
Fans and fellow artists alike recalled how his melodic inventions resonated with people worldwide, cementing his legacy in both jazz and dance music.
Medieval Knievel echoed these sentiments, posting: “I can’t overstate how much I LIVED with Roy Ayers’ music over time. He had the rare sweet spot of jams, emotional depth, and texture.” This profound recognition underscores Ayers's title as the "Godfather of Neo Soul,” showcasing how his unique sounds transcended genres and generations.
Ayers's legacy will undoubtedly endure through the timeless joy of his music, reminding us all of the interconnectedness of art and life. As DJ Eazy aptly put it, the music he gifted to us will reverberate through the ages, immortalising his impact on both artists and fans alike.