Renowned funk musician Roy Ayers has passed away at the age of 84 after a long battle with illness. Ayers, known for playing the vibraphone and working as a record producer, profoundly impacted musical genres such as disco, funk, acid jazz, hip-hop, and neo-soul throughout his 60-year career. His influence continues to resonate with artists and fans alike.
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03-10, 2025Ayers' musical journey began in the early 1960s, with his career gaining momentum in 1966 through collaborations with esteemed jazz musician Herbie Mann. After honing his skills in Mann's band for several years, Ayers formed his own group, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, and went on to significantly shape the sound of popular music for over five decades. His dedication to his craft solidified his place in music history.
While he collaborated with numerous musicians such as Tyler, the Creator, Fela Kuti, and Whitney Houston, his own work had the most profound impact on popular music. Even if you think you don't know him, you are very likely familiar with some of his outstanding works. His distinctive style is recognizable across generations.
"Love Will Bring Us Back Together" stands as a paragon of perfect rhythm, a six-minute song that you might not even notice being three times longer, such is the hypnotic effect of the deep funk presented by Ayers and his band. The song's theme of love and unity, prominent in many of Ayers' works, blends the flower-power vibe of the hippie movement with the loving sweat of upcoming disco and electro-funk. Its message of togetherness remains relevant today.
"Poo Poo La La" is a prime example of a narrative song, with Ayers using his deep voice to tell a surprisingly captivating story of infidelity and redemption. The smooth funk music supporting him exudes sexiness, and his vibraphone solo is impeccable, but most impressive is the song's narrative quality. Instead of saying "I'm wearing an Earth Wind and Fire T-shirt," it says "I'm wearing a white T-shirt that says: Earth, Wind & Fire." One listen and you'll be hooked. The song's unique storytelling sets it apart.
"You Can't Turn Me Away (by Sylvia Striplin)" is another classic song that has been heavily sampled, feeling instantly familiar from the moment the needle drops. While the song is credited to singer Sylvia Striplin, whose career faded quickly after its release, its exceptional groove entirely belongs to Ayers. Two hit hip-hop songs from the 1990s made full use of this groove: Naughty by Nature's 1992 "Hip Hop Hooray," and Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s "Get Money" featuring The Notorious B.I.G.. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Ayers' musical genius.
"Running Away," a collaboration with funk master Edwin Birdsong (whose work is well-known to fans of Daft Punk), is possibly one of the most fashionable breakup songs you'll ever hear. It starts at full speed, with its wriggling bassline and cheerful clapping immediately inviting you onto the dance floor, followed by a group of singers coming in to protest the treatment they've received. "I'm taking my bag and running away, because you're no good to me, I'm good to you, I've been strong." Reading the lyrics without listening to the music makes it feel sad. Listening to the music without paying attention to the lyrics makes it feel like a party. Paying attention to both at the same time might leave you a little confused, but who says sad songs always have to make you feel down? The song's contrasting elements create a unique listening experience.
"Everybody Loves The Sunshine" is Roy Ayers' signature song, hugely popular at the time and recreated time and time again, most famously in Mary J Blige's 1994 hit "My Life." It's not hard to hear the appeal of this classic song, which exudes a feeling of brightness and well-being, thanks to its outstanding synth lines and piano flourishes. Combined with its unhurried tempo, the overall sound feels like the perfect soundtrack to a lazy summer afternoon picnic. The song's timeless quality continues to captivate listeners.
Roy Ayers may be gone, but his career has proven that his work will live on for a long time. His music will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come, ensuring his legacy endures.
