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The world of music is reeling from the loss of Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz-funk pioneer whose influence stretched across generations. Ayers, known for his groundbreaking fusion of jazz, soul and funk, died March 4 at 84 in New York City following a long illness, his family announced.

For over four decades, Ayers’ music shaped the sonic landscape of jazz and R&B, with his 1976 hit “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” becoming an enduring anthem sampled and reimagined by artists from Mary J. Blige to Pharrell Williams. His distinct vibraphone sound, often described as “cosmic soul-jazz,” paved the way for the neo-soul movement, earning him the title of Godfather of Neo-Soul.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the industry. 

Mary J. Blige, who sampled “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” in her 1994 album “My Life,” shared a simple yet heartfelt message: “RIP Roy Ayers,” Blige posted on social media, adding a heart and angel emoji. 

Williams, a longtime admirer, credited Ayers as “one of my greatest musical inspirations.”

DJ Premier, paying homage to Ayers, wrote: “ICON is a status we all strive to earn in our journey of greatness. Thank you ROY AYERS for your heavy soul music. Thank you for touring with GURU and being a member of his Jazzmatazz Vol. 1 delivery. R.I.P. to both of you Kings.”

Erykah Badu, whose sound carries the DNA of Ayers’ groove-heavy jazz, reshared tributes from Ebony Magazine, while producer Adrian Younge credited Ayers with creating the musical foundation for artists like Badu and Jill Scott. 

“His sound mixed with cosmic soul-jazz is really what created artists like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. It was just that groove,” Younge told Clash Magazine.

Beyond his influence in hip-hop and R&B, Ayers’ contributions to jazz were unparalleled. He was a staple in the genre by the 1960s, performing with jazz luminaries like Herbie Mann before forming his own band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, in 1970. 

His collaborations with Nigerian Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti in the 1980s further expanded his musical reach by blending jazz with African rhythms.

For many, Ayers was more than a musician — he was an architect of sound, a bridge between eras, and a visionary who never stopped innovating.

 “A godfather of the contemporary vibes,” Warren Wold described him. 

British singer Estelle shared a personal tribute alongside a photo of herself with Ayers. 

Public Enemy’s Chuck D, as has been his trademark when paying tribute, posted a drawing of Ayers on social media.  

A Los Angeles native, Ayers’ musical journey began early, shaped by his parents — his mother, Ruby Ayers, was a piano instructor, and his father, Roy Sr., was a trombonist. 

At 5 years old, jazz legend Lionel Hampton gifted him his first vibraphone mallets. By his teenage years, he was already mastering multiple instruments before ultimately dedicating himself to the vibraphone.

Many exclaimed that Ayers’ music, vision, and unmistakable groove will continue to inspire future generations. 

“R.I.P. king,” DJ Premier wrote.