Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1940
DIED
2025
Roy Ayers Obituary
Roy Ayers was a musician and composer whose work on the vibraphone helped push the boundaries of jazz, soul, and funk through works like his 1976 classic, "Everybody Loves the Sunshine."
We invite you to share condolences for Roy Ayers in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images)
26 Entries
Desiree Milner
June 13, 2025
My prayers go out to Mr. Ayers' family. My Uncle Joseph King went to school with him at Jefferson High. Unfortunately, my Uncle Joseph just passed away four weeks ago. He served in the Air Force for 34 years. I will keep your family in prayers and my mom will also keep you our prayers and thoughts. I love all his music and may he rest in peace.
Blessings,
Desiree
Brenda Gordon-Jackson
June 9, 2025
A dear friend. Good man. Awesome musician. Gone but never forgotten. He will be sorely missed. Brenda Jackson /Richmond, Va.
Deborah Chi´cas Reid
May 17, 2025
Tom Berbas
May 16, 2025
Roy Ayers´s music radiated warmth, creativity, and joy, influencing generations of artists and listeners alike. His timeless compositions and signature sound left an indelible mark on soul, jazz, and beyond. Wishing peace and comfort to his family, friends, and all who continue to be inspired by his remarkable legacy. Tom Berbas
How you can show support
Paul
April 12, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers
are with your family. & friends
great musician and composer
Dwight Osborne
March 16, 2025
Don't forget that Roy Ayers was in the music business when several doors were closed to people of color. Roy is my cousin. Keep in mind if he was not a black man. He would have earned 20 times as much. Please don't leave out his sister's who supported him greatly . They were icons themselves. Having people behind you when you are trying to move forward makes all the difference in the world. Roy's older sister was a retired dance instructor. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from USC. She was the founder of Women in Leadership,past president of the League of Allied Arts. The list go on and on. I don't think if it were not for the strong family support Roy would have achieved the success he did. His older sister was a very strong woman. If Roy would say this is hypothetical to his older sister I have a gig tonight and my vibraphone sticks are missing. No problem she would find a tree and carve Roy the mallets. She was such a a wonderful kind modest humble person. She told me that Roy was driving down Crenshaw in LA two LAPD officers at a traffic light said to Roy aren't you Quincy Jones. Roy Said no but I wish I had his money.
Kathy
March 16, 2025
Sending My Deepest Condolences to Family grew up listening to Mr.Roy Ayers music Thank you for this great music your music will last forever Icon Legend Forever... Rest In Heavenly Paradise
Howard Moon
March 12, 2025
Rest in Heaven Roy, thank you for your inspiration, friendship and love!! See you on the other side!! Moon
Lakey Caba
March 12, 2025
I love Mr. Ayers' music. Through his music, he is a blessing to my life. It brings me such joy. THANK YOU, Mr. Ayers.
Mr.Jr.
March 11, 2025
My Condolences, yeah good songs.
RA
March 11, 2025
Great music. Mr.Ayers was such an amazing musician and composer. The sounds he created were incredible. Smooth, mellow, upbeat. He played a variety of music and it always sounded so good. Deepest condolences to the Ayers family. God be with you.
Beverley
March 10, 2025
Roy Ayers was in my music life since I was 18 I am now 63. I have seen him on several occasions memorably at Ronnie Scott´s in London where we met him. He was so friendly and a fabulous musician. He always had time for his fans. My husband and I also attended his Farewell Tour in Shepherds Bush which we would not have missed for the world. RIP Roy your music will live on always.
Derrick Crofton
March 10, 2025
Blessing to Roy's Family and associates.
I remember attending a river cruise with hin being the entertainer.Was an awsome evening. Precious memories.
John James
March 9, 2025
I was around 13yrs old when I first heard a Roy Ayers record..it was "Running Away", and it was being played at our family reunion during the summer (1977)...I've been hooked on his music ever since. Him leaving feels like I lost a relative, a cousin. Man, what a great lost this is.. "Together Forever".
Rosalyn Crosby
March 9, 2025
You goner be very much miss it has been a pleasure to have known you and to have shared a lot of times with you a lot of parties and a lot of shows with you and to go to all your shows I could. I love you. God bless you rest in peace.
RR
March 9, 2025
Truly an icon and a legend, musically one of the best. His long running career made his music appealing to so many different generations of music. Mr.Ayers made an indelible mark in music. Deepest condolences to the Ayers family, May God provide comfort to you in your time of loss.
Kim peavy
March 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss misspeavy and Family.
Cheryl Johnson
March 7, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Ayer´s family.
Darryl Doleman
March 7, 2025
My condolences. Love you Roy. Life well done.
Elizabeth Bell
March 7, 2025
RIP Roy Ayers
Emlyn Hodge
March 7, 2025
I am so sorry about Roy's death. I love his music, and he will be missed. The Ayers family has my deepest condolences. As the days, weeks, and months pass during this difficult time, may you continue to be surrounded and comforted with the needed love and support and by fond memories.
Deborah Lee
March 7, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of Roy. Roy truly entertained the music world and many people will remember him for his musical talent. May God bless your family.
TB
March 7, 2025
"Everyone Loves The Sunshine" is a classic, a favorite of so many being sampled in different genres by different artist over the years. Such a talented producer and musician, his music is truly in a class by itself. Heartfelt condolences to the Ayers family, God be with you all to comfort and strengthen you in your time of loss.
RR
March 7, 2025
One of the best, a unique voice and musical talent that put Mr. Ayers inna class by himself. Sincerest condolences to the Ayers family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you all in your time of loss.
Jodie Mosley
March 7, 2025
Mr. Roy. I. Love. All of. Your. Music great. Sounding. Melodies you n will be. Missed and. Your music. And. Phenomenal voice. Was. So. Unique and. Special there. Never. Be. Another like. You again. You. A. Legend and. Trailblazer gone but. Never. Frgttn. May all of. The. Great things. You did always. Speak you enjoy. The sunshine. Resi in paradise. In. God's care
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Roy Ayers's name
How to support Roy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Roy Ayers's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more