Legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers dead at 84
 Jeffrey Henson Scales

Legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers dead at 84

After what his family described as a "long illness," Roy Ayers, the man behind "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," has died at age 84.

The jazz vibraphonist was immensely influential to the genre throughout his career, and has made his mark being sampled in hip-hop music in recent years. His work has been sampled by rappers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and J. Cole, and was featured as a background vocalist on Tyler, the Creator's "Pothole" and "Find Your Wings".

Ayers is survived by his wife Argerie, and their children Mtume and Ayana Ayers.

Leah Weinstein

Philadelphia, PA

writer, music business student, and snail mail apologist

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