Everybody loves the sunshine. Rest in peace to Roy Edward Ayers, Jr. He was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 10, 1940. He comes by his affinity with music naturally, as his mother Ruby Ayers was a schoolteacher and local piano instructor and his father Roy Sr., a sometimes-parking attendant and trombonist. Roy began at first study independently, then eventually discovered that Bobby Hutcherson, a rising vibraphonist, lived in his neighborhood, and subsequently he began to work under Bobby’s tutelage. Their relationships as friends and musicians blossomed, with regular meetings between the two to collaborate and practice. By 1961 Roy had become a well-rounded, full-fledged professional musician. Eventually, evolving into a composer and arranger as well as a greatly sought after performer, met and developed a relationship with one of the jazz world’s leading authors and producers. The lifeline of his music continued through his music being sampled, but also studio collaborations with new generations of musicians like Alicia Keys, The Roots, Gang Starr's Guru and Tyler, The Creator. In a quote from his family it was announced that he passed away March 4th, 2025, “It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York City after a long illness…He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family ask that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.” Peace to Roy Ayers, @royayerssunshine.