Roy Ayers Funeral : Emotional Farewell & Tribute to Jazz Musician
Legend and icon, Roy Ayers, passed away on March 4, 2025 in New York City. With his music being some of the most sampled in history, his legacy will continue to transcend space and time.
Ayers died at a hospital in Manhattan, New York, on March 4, 2025, at the age of 84, after suffering from a long illness.
Roy Ayers Funeral
“It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing,” a statement shared on his Facebook page reads.
Roy Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer, has passed away at 84. Known as the “King of Neo-Soul,” Ayers’ innovative blend of jazz, funk, and soul made an indelible mark on music history. From his groundbreaking work with Roy Ayers Ubiquity to his timeless… pic.twitter.com/bnmRWX6k06
— EBONY MAGAZINE (@EBONY) March 6, 2025
Ayers passed away on Tuesday, March 4, in New York City after fighting a “long illness”, the post explains. “He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed”.
It continues: “His family ask that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”
Rest In Peace to the pioneer of Jazz Funk and host of Fusion FM, the legend Roy Ayers. pic.twitter.com/70elhbf5gf
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) March 6, 2025
Legend and icon, Roy Ayers, passed away on March 4, 2025 in New York City. With his music being some of the most sampled in history, his legacy will continue to transcend space and time.
Who was Roy Ayers?
Roy Edward Ayers Jr. (September 10, 1940 – March 4, 2025) was an American vibraphonist, record producer, and composer.
Ayers began his career as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several studio albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped pioneer jazz-funk.
He is a key figure in the acid jazz movement, and has been described as “The Godfather of Neo Soul”.
Our condolences to the friends and family of the legendary jazz musician, record producer, and composer Roy Ayers, who passed away at the age of 84. Roy’s timeless music inspired generations of musicians, including several of our own Tommy Boy artists, who have sampled his songs.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Roy Ayers. A true innovator, Roy shaped and revitalized the musical landscape across generations. His sound became the backdrop to every era he graced, with Everybody Loves the Sunshine serving as an anthem for so many of us. pic.twitter.com/Nh0dT7XcAK
— Jazz Is Dead (@jazzisdeadco) March 6, 2025