Roy Ayers

For the American politician, see Roy E. Ayers.

Roy Ayers
Ayers performing at Glastonbury Festival in 2019
Ayers performing at Glastonbury Festival in 2019
Background information
Born (1940-09-10) September 10, 1940 (age 84)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • composer
  • singer
  • band leader
  • record producer
Instruments
Years active1962–present
Labels
WebsiteOfficial website

Roy Ayers (born September 10, 1940) is an American vibraphonist, record producer and composer.[1] Ayers began his career as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped pioneer jazz-funk.[2] He is a key figure in the acid jazz movement,[3] and has been described as "The Godfather of Neo Soul".[4] He is best known for his compositions "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", "Lifeline", and "No Stranger To Love" and other that charted in the 1970s.[5] At one time, he was said to have more sampled hits by rappers than any other artist.[6]

  1. ^ Cook, Richard (2005). Richard Cook's Jazz Encyclopedia. London: Penguin Books. p. 25. ISBN 0-141-00646-3.
  2. ^ Parker, Chris (2000). "Roy Ayers". Jazz: the Rough Guide (2nd ed.). London: Rough Guides. p. 27. ISBN 9781858285283.
  3. ^ Reynolds, J.R. (February 4, 1995). "Polydor Give Chronicles Treatment To JB's, Ayers". Billboard Magazine. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 12.
  4. ^ Fordham, John (August 11, 2012). "Roy Ayers, Brecon & London in this week's new live music". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  5. ^ "Roy Ayers Billboard Chart Listing". Billboard. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Mitter, Siddhartha (July 29, 2005). "Still ubiquitous". Retrieved June 11, 2024.