Roy Ayers, the legendary American vibraphonist, composer, singer, and producer, has passed away at the age of 83 after a long illness. A trailblazer in the fusion of jazz with soul, funk, disco, and boogie, Ayers was widely regarded as a pioneer of the 70’s Soul Jazz movement. His influence spanned generations and genres and he would later be recognised as the godfather of Neo-Soul.

Rising to prominence in the 1970s with a prolific run on Atlantic and Polydor Records, Ayers crafted a sound that was both groundbreaking and timeless. His music, rich with cosmic grooves and infectious funky rhythms, became a cornerstone of soul-jazz and later found a second life through extensive sampling by the hip-hop community. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ayers fully embraced this new Hip-Hop appreciators, collaborating with artists such as Guru and Lord Finesse, further cementing his legacy across musical landscapes.

Roy Ayers hanging with Guru and fellow jazzamatazz artists

His reach extended beyond albums and collaborations—his work shaped film as well, with his music providing much of the score for Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. A true innovator, Roy Ayers’ contributions to music remain immeasurable, and his pioneering sound will continue to inspire generations to come.

Roy Ayers soundtrack to the blaxploitation movie Coffy which later got used in Jackie Brown. Both starring Pam Grier

In paying tribute BBC 6 Music DJ Giles Peterson put it perfectly:

Thanks for everything

You created the perfect formula

Soul Funk Cosmic Jazz Master

Roy Ayers RIP