Roy Ayers, jazz-funk pioneer behind ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine,’ dies at 84

Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz-funk musician, composer, and vibraphonist, has died at the age of 84 in New York City after a long illness, his family announced.

A statement on his official Facebook page read:

"It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing, which occurred on March 4, 2025, in New York City after a long illness. He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family asks for privacy at this time, and a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming."

Trailblazer in jazz-funk

Born September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, Ayers emerged as a pioneering force in jazz-funk, soul, and neo-soul, leaving an indelible mark on modern music.

His musical journey began in the early 1960s, when he released his debut album, ‘West Coast Vibes’ (1963). Over the years, he developed his signature jazz-funk sound, gaining prominence as a vibraphonist, an instrument he was inspired to learn after jazz great Lionel Hampton gifted him a pair of mallets when he was just five years old.

By the early 1970s, Ayers had formed his influential band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, crafting a fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B that would shape generations of musicians.

‘Everybody loves the sunshine’ – a timeless classic

In 1976, Ayers released his most famous track, ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’, a laid-back, warm-weather anthem that remains one of the most sampled jazz recordings in history.

Reflecting on the song’s creation, Ayers told The Guardian in 2017 that it was written spontaneously during a hot summer day at Electric Lady Studios in New York.

"I just got this phrase in my head: ‘Everybody loves the sunshine,’" he recalled. "I started singing: ‘Feel what I feel, when I feel what I feel, what I’m feeling.’ Then I started thinking about summer imagery … It was so spontaneous. It felt wonderful."

The track’s influence spans generations, with artists such as Mary J. Blige (‘My Life’), Common (‘Book of Life’), and Mos Def (‘Life Is Real’) incorporating elements of it into their own work. It has been sampled over 100 times, with Dr. Dre, Pharrell Williams, and many others drawing inspiration from its smooth, hypnotic groove.

"The song changed everything for me," Ayers once said. "It’s still the last song of my show. People always join in, and it captures every generation. Everybody loves the sunshine – except Dracula."

Prolific career and lasting legacy

By the time ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ was released, Ayers had already recorded more than a dozen albums, earning him the title “Godfather of Neo Soul.” His influence extended beyond his own music, shaping hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music through collaborations and sampling.

Even in his later years, Ayers remained a festival favorite, headlining events worldwide, including London’s Maiden Voyage Festival in 2019.

With a career spanning over six decades, Ayers' contributions to music transcend genres and generations, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to resonate in jazz, funk, and soul for years to come.