Roy Ayers & Ubiquity

Roy Ayers is best known and respected in the music business as "The Godfather of Neo-Soul"; and has bridged the generation gap by recording with such artists as Talib Kweli (produced by Kanye West); and Will Downing (jazz and R&B singer). While Ayers still performs; his songs "Everybody Loves The Sunshine"; "Searching" and "Running Away" are being sampled and remixed by DJ's around the world.

Roy Edward Ayers, Jr. born in Los Angeles, CA; was given vibe mallets from Lionel Hampton at age 5. At 17, Roy's parents gave him a set of vibes; and from there, he attended Los Angeles City College; studying advanced music theory. By 1961, Ayers became a professional musician and performed at The Las Vegas Jazz Festival. Roy Ayers evolved into a composer and arranger; which led to his first record contract with United Artists. Ayer's debut album "West Coast Vibes" paved the way for "The Roy Ayers" sound; receiving popularity from bookings around the country. Noted musicians sought out Ayers to collaborate on their projects with Atlantic Records. Herbie Mann worked with Roy on the release of "Virgo Vibes" and "Stoned Soul Picnic".

During the mid-70's, Roy began a musical relationship with Polydor Records; adding "wah wah" and "fuzz" tones on his vibes; and formed the jazz group Ubiguity; a mix of jazz, rhythm and blues; Latin, funk and dance music. Ayers produced "Virgo Red"; "Change Up The Groove"; "Mystic Voyage"; Everybody Loves The Sunshine"; "Vibrations"; "You Send Me"; "Lifeline" and "Fever". In 1973, Ayers produced the soundtrack for the film "Coffy"; and in 2000, the single "Running Away" was included in Spike Lee's film "Summer of Sam". Ayers formed his first record label Uno Melodic and released "Lots of Love"; "Chicago"; and "Everybody".

Today, "The Dynamic Music Man" is still in demand for tours and performances; having released seven CD's under his record labels, Uno Melodic and AFI CD Records. Roy's music has been sampled by Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, 50 Cent, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac and Ice Cube. Ayers current album "Mahogany Vibe" features Betty Wright and Erykah Badu; and "Live At Arturo's" are his best works to date. In 2003, Roy Ayers received the Congress of Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.) Lifetime Achievement Award. Always the consummate showman, Roy Ayers will always be a music icon and legend in his own time.