“Teardrops just keep falling, My heart just keeps crying, Love will bring us back together Forever,” Today, these lyrics from Roy Ayers feel heavier than ever. They’re not just words anymore, they’re a painful reminder of a legend we just lost. The Godfather of Neo-Soul, the man behind Everybody Loves the Sunshine, has passed away at 84. And his absence is being felt across generations. The news is piercing, not just for the music world, but for the NBA community too.

Ayers wasn’t just a musician, he was more of a movement in the Neo Soul genre. A master of jazz vibraphone, a pioneer who fused soul with jazz. And the reason hip-hop greats like Dr. Dre, Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige had some of their most iconic samples. His sound shaped cultures inspired artists, and became a timeless vibe for generations. And now, the world is mourning a man who gave us so much rhythm and warmth.

His passing was confirmed in a statement on his Facebook page: “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.” And miss him, we will. Basketball and hip-hop have always gone hand in hand. Roy Ayers’ music was part of that soundtrack blasting in locker rooms, playing in highlight reels. And becoming a favorite of players who grew up to the smooth, soulful sound of his melodies.

One of those players was Kevin Garnett. The NBA legend couldn’t stay silent after hearing the news. He shared a tribute on Instagram. An emotional collage of Ayers’ pictures over the sound of “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”. His caption was short but heavy with meaning: “Rest in Power king 👑💯🫡”

A legend may be gone, but his music, his influence, and his spirit will live on forever. We promise.

Roy Ayers: The man behind changing the “Neo Soul” genre

Man, this one hurts. Roy Ayers isn’t just gone, he’s taken a piece of music history with him. It’s hard to even process. Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Ayers had music in his blood. At just five years old, he saw Lionel Hampton’s Big Band perform, and boom! That was it. The vibraphone became his destiny. By the early ‘60s, he had already made a name for himself with saxophonist Curtis Amy. Then, in 1963, he dropped his first album, West Coast Vibes. That was just the beginning though of a great era that fans didn’t comprehend.

In 1973, he composed the Coffy soundtrack, proving his genius stretched beyond jazz. And then came “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” in 1976. Man, if you don’t feel something when that song plays, check your pulse. That track? It became the sound of nostalgia, sampled by hip-hop’s greatest, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Junior M.A.F.I.A. His influence wasn’t just big, it was everywhere.

But now? Now, we’ll never get another Roy Ayers record. No more hidden gems. No more unexpected samples of his buttery-smooth sound. That’s what hurts the most. Music just lost one of its real ones. And for us? We lost the man who made everything feel a little warmer, a little more soulful.

Rest easy, legend. We’ll be playing your music forever.