When it came to jazz, it didn’t matter the style or subgenre, Roy Ayers could play it all. Fashioning a career as a composer and record producer, Ayers also mastered jazz music as he released hits like “Lifeline”, “No Stranger to Love” and “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” Considered “The Godfather of Neo Soul”, the musician spent over six decades on the stage, sharing his music with the world. Sadly, the famed jazz player recently passed away at 84 years old.
While suffering from health issues over the last few years, Ayers tried his best to continue performing. Besides his own career, the musician inspired countless others like Kanye West and Mary J. Blige. Releasing a statement about his passing, it 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. 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.”
Spending his childhood in Los Angeles, Ayers grew up with music surrounding him. His mother was more than a schoolteacher as she also taught the piano. His father, Roy Sr., mastered the trombone. With music all around him, he never lost the passion to perform.
How Roy Ayers Gained The Title “King Of Neo Soul”
Once discussing his legacy in the music industry and jazz, Ayers recalled how he became the face of neo-soul music. “Erykah Badu was on it, and at the recording sessions, she told me, ‘Roy, you’re the king of neo-soul. It’s your music because you’re the one who started all of us doing it.’I’m really thinking about calling the next album ‘Neo Soul.’ I’m stuck on that name. It’s got me going.”
Not only liking the title, Ayers noted how it help expand his career past just jazz. “I like it because it’s better than saying I just play jazz, or I just play funk, or I just play blues, or whatever. I play neo-soul.”
With Ayers leaving behind more than a legacy, his family continues to celebrate his love, passion, and commitment to music.
