A soul legend has left us. Roy Ayers was more than just a musician—he was a visionary, a pioneer, and a true architect of sound. I had the honor of meeting him once at The Shrine, and we had a great conversation. He was as down-to-earth as he was talented, a man whose presence was as warm as the music he gave to the world.

Born on September 10, 1940, Roy Ayers began his journey in post-bop jazz, crafting his early sound with Atlantic Records before making history at Polydor Records in the 1970s. His influence in jazz-funk and acid jazz shaped generations of artists, and his title as “The Godfather of Neo-Soul” speaks to the timelessness of his work. Tracks like Everybody Loves the Sunshine, Lifeline, and No Stranger to Love became the backbone of a sound that continues to inspire. His music was sampled by countless hip-hop legends, solidifying his role as a bridge between genres and generations.

Roy Ayers’ impact will live on, not just in records and samples, but in the feeling his music gives us—the warmth, the groove, the soul. Rest easy, legend.

Watch & Remember: