5 best Roy Ayers songs to pay tribute to the late Jazz legend

Everybody Loves Sunshine hit-maker and jazz legend, Roy Ayers, has passed away after battling a long illness. He was 84.

His family posted a statement on Ayers' Facebook on Wednesday.

The statement read: "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.

It continued: "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."

Roy Ayers was one of the best jazz-funk artists of all time. The renowned musician made a series of ground-breaking albums in the 1970s and early 1980s that helped establish any genre by combining jazz, funk, and soul to produce his distinctive sound, which some have dubbed "neo-soul." His music may be heard in a variety of contexts, from a jazz nightclub to a disco dance floor, regardless of the label.

With that, let's take a look at 5 of his best songs.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer’s opinion. Comment below your feedback to let us know which other items deserve to be on the list.

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5 Best Roy Ayers songs of all time

Red, Black and Green - Album: Red, Black & Green

"Red, Black & Green," the album's title tune, is undoubtedly one of Ayers' best songs ever. It is also among Ayers' greatest albums, despite including a significant number of covers, such as "Papa was a Rolling Stone," "Ain't No Sunshine," and "Day Dreaming" by Aretha Franklin and Bill Wither.

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We Live in Brooklyn, Baby - Album: He's Coming

Ayers practically always incorporated the popular song "We Live in Brooklyn, Baby" into his live performances.

A number of the songs on this album, which is now known as Roy Ayers Ubiquity, have a more spiritual and socially aware storyline. These include the Jesus Christ Superstar-inspired songs "He's a Superstar," "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother," and "Ain't Got Time."

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Change Up The Groove - Album: Change Up The Groove

Even though none of the vibraphonists' "classic" singles are on this album, the record still stands out due to its electrifying title track "Change Up The Groove." It also features some incredible funk treasures like "The Boogie Back," "Fikisha (To Help Someone To Arrive)."

However, Change Up The Groove, which may be Ayers' most obscure work, is more of a continuation into the exploration of the fusion of soul-jazz, R&B, and funk than it is what the album's title implies.

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Searching - Album: Vibrations

Vibrations was received as a powerful record by the artist. Featuring hits like the title track "Vibrations," "Domelo (Give It To Me)," "Come Out And Play," "Moving, Grooving" and the biggest hit of them all, "Searching."

In 1976, Ayers issued two outstanding albums, much like the year before. Ayers' most creative phase was undoubtedly at this time, when the vibraphonist had solidified the identity of his distinctive jazz-funk sound, which was inspired by R&B.

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Everybody Loves The Sunshine - Album: Everybody Loves The Sunshine

Arguably the most iconic Roy Ayers song, which was extremely successful at the time and was repeatedly reimagined, most notably in Mary J. Blige's major hit single My Life in 1994.

Thanks to its amazing synth lines and piano flourishes, this classic exudes brightness and positive vibes, making it easy to notice its appeal. It seems like the ideal accompaniment to a picnic on a leisurely summer afternoon when combined with its leisurely tempo.

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The legacy of Roy Ayers

Known as "The Godfather of Neo Soul," Roy Ayers was a composer, record producer, and vibraphonist who was frequently sampled. He was born in Los Angeles in 1940. His mother played piano, while his father played trombone.

In high school, he performed in the church choir and headed a band called the Latin Lyrics. He started recording as a bebop sideman in 1962, and the following year, he and saxophonist Curtis Amy produced their debut album, West Coast Vibes.

In the early 1970s, he formed his band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, and composed the highly regarded score for Jack Hill's blaxploitation film Coffy in 1973. He released the LP Everybody Loves The Sunshine in 1976, which included the well-known disco song "Brother Green (The Disco King)" and his hit of the same name.

Ayers kept on his musical career into the 2000s and 2010s, ultimately branching out into dance music and launching his record labels, Gold Mink Records and Uno Melodic.

His music has been sampled hundreds of times, notably on iconic hip-hop songs by A Tribe Called Quest, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and others. He also influenced a generation of neo-soul musicians. Throughout his career, he collaborated with Tyler, The Creator, Erykah Badu, Kerri Chandler, and Masters At Work.