Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz vibraphonist responsible for “Everybody Loves the Sunshine, has died. He was 84 years old.
According to a statement shared by the family Ayers’ social media accounts, Ayers died Tuesday, March 4 after a long illness. The artist died in New York City.
“It is with great sadness the family of legendary vibraphonist Roy Ayers announce his passing on March 4th, 2025 in New York City,” the statement read. “He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. A celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”
Ayers was one of the primary pioneers of the jazz-funk movement.