Roy Ayers August 24, 2004

A popular jazz vibraphonist and vocalist, Ayers reached commercial popularity during the mid-?70s and early ?80s, crossing over into the mainstream charts. He is also celebrated as an important influence on the latter decade?s acid-jazz movement.

Ayers had numerous hits on the R&B charts with several albums and singles during this period, including the Top 20 disco-influenced R&B hit ?Running Away? and the song ?Everybody Loves The Sunshine? which remains a perennial club favorite into the new millennium. He also produced and recorded the soundtrack for the now legendary film ?Coffy? starring Pam Grier.