 The news was shared on Ayers' social media accounts, including his official Facebook page, Wednesday night:
"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," the statement read. "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." Ayers began his career as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several studio albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped pioneer jazz-funk. He was best known for his compositions "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", "Lifeline", and "No Stranger to Love" and others that charted in the 1970s. At one time Ayers was listed among the performers whose music was most often sampled by rappers including Mary J. Blige’s “My Life,” A Tribe Called Quest’s “Bonita Applebaum” and Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money.” Ayers is survived by his wife Argerie, and their children Mtume and Ayana Ayers.
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