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Click here to see Roy Ayres @ Ronnie Scott's , 2005.

10 September 1940 – 4 March 2025

Roy Ayres has died after a long illness. He was 84.

Great to witness the substantial amount of tributes, love and respect for Roy Ayres following his death.

Roy supported me emotionally and financially during the very early years of my gig going / photography journey. On one occasion he literally reached in his own pocket and handed over the ticket money to entrance staff at one of his Ronnie Scott’s gigs in 2005. I quickly objected by saying “There is no need for you to do that!” His response smiling at me? “Don’t you worry; they will give it back to me later!”

Roy was always been a revered figure and musician who was ‘in the music ‘game’ forever it seems. I was first introduced to Roy’s music in the form of the 1978 Polydor release “You Send Me” album owned by my sister. Roy was a no messing and kind, but tick him off and you’ll know it kind of person. We got on like house on fire. Thanks Roy

For nearly four decades LA-born Roy Ayres has shared his gift of music with millions of people around the globe. Roy began his quest after he was given his first set of mallets from his idol Lionel Hampton at the age of seventeen. Roy worked with Teddy Edwards, Vi Redd and Chico Hamilton and later spent a solid four years perfecting his vibe playing style with Herbie Mann, then forming his own band ‘Ubiquity’ in 1970.

The following years proved fruitful for Roy, producing many ‘must have’ soul /funk albums with the Polydor label as well as starting his now infamous touring schedule, which further cemented his popularity. Signing with Columbia Records in the early 1980’s, Roy incorporated funk & R ‘n’B styles into his music, which spawned club classics such as “Running away” & “Everybody loves the sunshine”. He continues to be a credible force in the ever-changing fickle world called ‘The Music Industry’, with outstanding contributions to major talents such as Eric Benet and Erykah Badu to name just a few.

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio.