Legendary vibraphonist, producer, and vocalist Roy Ayers has passed away at 84 years of age. Ayers would enjoy success in the 70s and 80s as a solo artist, and with his band Ubiquity.

His recordings provided the soundbed for hits by ATCQ, Mary J. Blige, Brand Nubian and many more.

He helped introduce a funkier strain of the music in the 1970s. He also had an impact on hip-hop: His “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” has been sampled nearly 200 times.

Ayers died on Tuesday in Manhattan. He was 84.

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