JAZZ LEGEND

Master of Jazz Fusion Roy Ayers Dies at 84

The jazz-meets-funk musician inspired Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, and Kanye West.

Jazz fusion legend Roy Ayers, who wrote the song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” has died at 84 after a long illness. “It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing on March 4th, 2025,” said an announcement on his Facebook page. Ayers is also known for hits such as “Running Away” and “Searching,” and released more than 40 albums. His influential fusion of jazz, rhythm and blues, Latin, funk and dance music inspired generations of musicians, including Dr. Dre, A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, and Tyler, the Creator. Ayers claimed to have been sampled by more rappers than anyone else in the music industry. He also produced the soundtrack to legendary 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy, starring Pam Grier. His son Nabil Ayers, a drummer and record label co-founder and writer of a memoir centering on his father’s life, posted a photo of the sun on his Instagram account in his father’s memory.