Renowned jazz and R&B musician Roy Ayers, known as the “godfather of neo-soul,” has died following a long illness at the age of 84. The news was shared on his social media accounts, including Facebook.
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers grew up in a musical family and formed his first group while a student at Thomas Jefferson High School. He released his debut album “West Coast Vibes” in 1963 and went on to form Roy Ayers Ubiquity, which included one of his most famous tracks, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” The song became a hit, and he also collaborated with Erykah Badu, Tyler, The Creator, and The Roots.
Ayers’ music played a significant role in shaping the neo-soul genre. In an interview with The Washington Post in 2013, he described it as a sound that encompasses different styles. He attributed its origin to his own work, including his song “Neo Soul Groove,” which featured Erykah Badu.
Despite struggling with health complications, Ayers continued to perform into his 80s, with his last live shows taking place in 2023. However, due to health issues stemming from a bout of Covid-19, he canceled upcoming performances for that year.
Ayers is survived by his family and fans worldwide, who will miss him dearly. A celebration of his life is planned, but details have not been announced yet.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/03/05/roy-ayers-dead-everybody-loves-the-sunshine/81697854007