In New York City, the iconic jazz artist Roy Ayers, known for timeless hits like “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” has passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family.
Ayers’ family announced his passing in a post to his Facebook page.
They say the musician died on Tuesday in New York City after a long illness.
His family announced, “He enjoyed a full 84 years of life and will be deeply missed. They have requested privacy during this time and a commemoration of Roy’s life will be arranged in the future.”
Hailing from Los Angeles, Ayers had a passion for music from a young age. He established a music group during his high school years and later delved into advanced music theory studies at Los Angeles City College.
“In the 60’s he was an award-winning jazz vibraphonist, and transformed into a popular R&B band leader in the 70’s/80’s,” the website states.
Ayers’ hit song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” came out in 1976, included on his album of the same name, released with his Roy Ayers Ubiquity band.
Some of Ayers’ projects through the years included his 1978 album “Let’s Do It,” which featured gospel singer Merry Clayton on several tracks; “You Might Be Surprised,” which was released in 1985; and in later years, “Nasté,” which was released in 1995.
“I listen as I play, and I’m not caught up in defining the type of music I play. In other words, others are more discerning than me when it comes to defining music have called what I do ‘neo-soul,’ and that’s cool with me … You know, its all about changing, really, and being multi-versatile,” Ayers once said in an interview published on record label BBE’s website.
Some of the massive stars that have sampled Ayers’ “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” over the years include in J. Cole and Mary J. Blige.
Blige remembered Ayers on social media, writing in a post on Wednesday evening, “RIP Roy Ayers .”
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