"Roy Ayers, the vibraphonist best known for his iconic song "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," has died at the age of 84."

"Roy Ayers, the vibraphonist best known for his iconic song "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," has died at the age of 84."

The world of music has lost a legend: Roy Ayers, the influential force behind countless soul, jazz, and funk tracks, has died at the age of 84. A statement from his family on Facebook described him as "highly influential," a testament to his impact as a composer, producer, and vibraphonist. His most famous song, "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," resonated across genres, inspiring covers by D'Angelo and samples by artists like Mary J. Blige and Tyler, the Creator.

 Okay, here's a rewrite incorporating all of that information, aiming for a comprehensive and engaging obituary-style piece:

     Roy Ayers, who passed away on March 4, 2025, at the age of 84, was far more than just the creator of his best-known hit, "Everybody Loves the Sunshine." A true pioneer of nu-soul and jazz-funk, he was a key figure in the 90s acid jazz movement, leaving an indelible mark on music history. Pharrell Williams, of "Happy" and "Blurred Lines" fame, counted Ayers as one of his greatest musical inspirations.

      Ayers' influence resonated deeply within the R&B and hip-hop scenes, particularly in the 90s. Artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, and Jill Scott sampled his earlier works on tracks such as "Bonita Applebaum," "My Life," and "Watching Me," solidifying his place as a foundational voice for a new generation. He also collaborated with Guru and The Roots, further expanding his reach and influence. Erykah Badu, a leading figure in neo-soul, affectionately dubbed him "the king of neo soul." More recently, Calvin Harris lauded Ayers' intricate and warm sound on BBC Radio 2, emphasizing his enduring appeal.

      A frequent performer at Glastonbury, with his last appearance in 2019, Ayers also showcased his versatility by writing and producing the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film "Coffy," starring Pam Grier. While proficient in instruments like the flute and trumpet, Ayers became synonymous with the vibraphone, a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone but with metal bars. His other hits include "Running Away" and "Searchin'," both created with his band Roy Ayers Ubiquity, the same group behind "Everybody Loves the Sunshine."

      Born into a musical family in Los Angeles on September 10, 1940, Roy Edward Ayers Jr. inherited his passion from his mother, Ruby, a school teacher and piano instructor, and his father, Roy Sr., a parking attendant and trombonist. He began playing piano at five, later exploring various instruments and singing in the church choir before finding his calling with the vibraphone. A pivotal moment came at age five when he attended a Lionel Hampton Big Band concert. Hampton, impressed by the young Ayers' enthusiasm, gifted him a pair of vibe mallets, setting him on his path.

     Ayers formed his first group, the Jefferson Combo, while at Jefferson High School and further honed his skills with advanced music theory in college. He turned professional in 1961 and recorded three albums with jazz flautist Herbie Mann before establishing Roy Ayers Ubiquity and achieving mainstream success with "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" in 1976. His last solo album, "Mahogany Vibes," featuring Badu, was released in 2004.

      Roy Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers. According to a Facebook post on Ayers's page, his family asks for privacy at this time, with a celebration of his life to be announced in the future.