Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz vibraphonist best known for his iconic hit “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” has passed away following a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family.
In a heartfelt statement posted on his official Facebook page, his family shared that the music icon died on Tuesday in New York City after battling a long-term illness.
While they did not disclose the specific nature of his condition, they expressed their grief and gratitude for his remarkable life, stating, “He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be deeply missed. The family kindly requests privacy during this difficult time. A celebration of Roy’s life will be announced at a later date.”
Ayers’ most famous track, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” became a cultural touchstone and has been widely sampled and covered by numerous artists over the years, including Kanye West, Common, Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, and Tyler, the Creator.
Its enduring popularity is evident in its staggering 130 million streams on Spotify to date.
Ayers first gained widespread recognition through his work on the soundtrack for the 1973 Pam Grier-led Blaxploitation film Coffy.
However, it was the release of “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” in 1976 that solidified his status as a musical pioneer, blending jazz, funk, and soul into a sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Roy Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their two children, Ayana and Mtume. He was 84 years old.
Rest in peace, Roy Ayers. Your music and legacy will continue to shine brightly.
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