Throwback: R.I.P. Roy Ayers

I’m covering the sixth edition of The New Colossus Festival. As you can imagine, I’m running around the Lower East Side catching a variety of bands and artists, and catching up with music industry colleagues and pals from all over the world.

I was at the new Baker Falls location on Allen Street when I learned that the legendary Roy Ayers had died.

If James Brown and Parliament Funkddelic are among the most sampled artists ever, Roy Ayers is likely the third most ever. All three acts have created work that is the blueprint for all contemporary Black music. We all stand on the shoulders of giants.

His work automatically creates nostalgia for summer afternoon picnics and hangouts with your family — but perhaps even more important, for being cool, groovy, and defiantly and jubilantly Black.

Long live, Roy Ayers! His work will live on forever.