The family described Ayers to Variety as a “highly influential and sought after as a music collaborator.” In their statement, they said, “It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York City after a long illness. He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family ask that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”
Roy Ayers was born in Los Angeles in 1940. Bandleader and jazz musician Lionel Hampton gave Ayers his first pair of vibraphone mallets at a concert when he was just 5 years old. He went on to attend Los Angeles City College, studying advanced music theory. In the 1960s, he recorded with saxophonist Curtis Amy before releasing his debut album West Coast Vibes in 1963. Throughout the decade he collaborated with other artists and worked on his own solo projects; in 1973, he wrote and produced the soundtrack to the Blaxploitation film Coffy starring Pam Grier. He then formed the band Roy Ayers Ubiquity, scoring a hit with the 1976 track “Everybody Loves The Sunshine.”
Ayers, whom collaborator Erykah Badu called “the king of neo-soul,” is a major influence on modern hip hop and R&B. His songs have been covered or sampled by the likes of Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, A Tribe Called Quest, Dr. Dre, and many more. His final solo album Mahogany Vibe came out in 2004 and featured Betty Wright, Kamilah, and Badu; Ayers himself went on to feature on Tyler, the Creator’s track “Find Your Wings.” In an interview with Dummy in 2016, Ayers said, “It’s wonderful, the desire young people express for my music. It’s wonderful because I’m still growing in popularity.”
Ayers is survived by his wife Argerie, and their children Mtume and Ayana Ayers.
