Jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers died Tuesday in New York.
The vibraphonist, identified for his often-sampled 1976 album “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” died after an extended sickness and a “beautiful 84 years” on Earth, in accordance with a Fb submit from his household.
Born in 1940 in Los Angeles, Ayers turned entranced by the vibraphone after being given his first pair of mallets by percussionist Lionel Hampton’s Large Band on the age of 5.
He sang in church choir and performed piano as a baby however didn’t really start taking part in vibraphone till he was in highschool.
From that time on, the instrument was one among his lifelong loves.
“It’s funny, I started playing vibes when I was 17 and I still love it. The only difference now is that I’ve turned the 17 around to 71,” Ayers instructed the Los Angeles Instances in 2011.
Jason Koerner by way of Getty Photos
After learning music principle at Los Angeles Metropolis School, Ayers signed his first recording contract within the early ’60s.
The producer and composer’s debut album “West Coast Vibes” got here out in 1963, kicking off a profession that might span over six a long time.
He launched his last album, “Mahogany Vibe,” in 2004 however would proceed to tour and carry out till 2023.
Afro Newspaper/Gado by way of Getty Photos
Throughout his life, Ayers’ work was sampled by artists like Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Known as Quest and Junior M.A.F.I.A.
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He additionally collaborated with Afrobeat innovator Fela Kuti and funk icon Rick James in addition to up to date hip-hop and R&B acts like Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, The Roots and Tyler, The Creator.
“If I didn’t have music I wouldn’t even want to be here,” Ayers stated again in 2011. “It’s like an escape when there is no escape. An escape for temporary moments.”
He’s survived by his spouse, Argerie Ayers, and their kids, Mtume and Ayana Ayers.
