Roy Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist, composer, and jazz-funk pioneer, left an undeniable mark on music. His unique fusion of jazz, funk, and soul laid the foundation for genres that followed, especially hip-hop and neo-soul. His 1976 classic Everybody Loves the Sunshine remains one of the most sampled songs in history, and his influence spans generations of artists, from Erykah Badu to J Dilla. Even with his passing on March 4, 2025, his legacy lives on through his music, including rare and unreleased gems like Virgin Ubiquity II: Unreleased Recordings 1976–1981.
Roy Ayers: The Jazz-Funk Visionary
Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers was destined for a life in music. His journey began at just five years old when jazz legend Lionel Hampton gifted him a pair of vibraphone mallets. By the 1970s, Ayers had formed his band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, blending the improvisational spirit of jazz with the grooves of funk and the warmth of soul. This hybrid sound became his signature, earning him the title of The Godfather of Neo-Soul.
Songs like Searchin’, Running Away, and Everybody Loves the Sunshine captured a sense of joy, spirituality, and groove that resonated deeply with listeners. His ability to fuse genres made him a key figure in shaping modern music, with his influence extending far beyond his own recordings.
The Hip-Hop Connection: A Sampling Goldmine
Photo credit: Michael Ochs
Hip-hop producers found a treasure trove in Ayers’ music. His lush instrumentation, basslines, and dreamy vibraphone melodies became the foundation for countless tracks. Everybody Loves the Sunshine alone has been sampled by artists like Mary J. Blige (My Life), Mos Def (Life Is Real), Common (Book of Life), and Dr. Dre.
He collaborated with The Roots, worked with Guru on the Jazzmatazz series, and performed alongside young artists who revered his contributions. His music had a timeless groove that connected with every generation.
Neo-Soul: The Sound Roy Ayers Helped Create
Ayers’ music wasn’t just foundational for hip-hop; it was also a direct precursor to neo-soul. His warm, jazz-inflected funk was a blueprint for artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Jill Scott, and Maxwell. The genre’s deep grooves, spiritual depth, and genre-blurring approach can all be traced back to Ayers.
His ability to craft melodies that felt both futuristic and deeply rooted in Black musical traditions made him an artist ahead of his time.
Digging Into Virgin Ubiquity II: Unreleased Recordings 1976–1981
One of the most exciting chapters of Ayers’ legacy came through his Virgin Ubiquity series. These collections unearthed previously unreleased recordings from his peak creative years, revealing just how prolific he was. Virgin Ubiquity II: Unreleased Recordings 1976–1981 (2005) is a goldmine for Ayers fans, offering a deeper look into his creative genius.
Tracks like Holiday, Kwajilori, and Funk in the Hole showcase the same warmth and groove that made his studio albums classics. For crate diggers and soul-jazz aficionados, Virgin Ubiquity II is essential listening.
The Eternal Sunshine of Roy Ayers
Photo credit: David Redfern/Redferns
Even after all these years Roy Ayers’ influence a staple on festival stages, his energy undiminished. His passing marks the end of a chapter, but not the end of his story. His music, sampled and reinterpreted by new generations, ensures that his legacy will never fade.