Roy Ayers, the vibraphonist, composer, and all-around musical genius, left an indelible mark on the world of jazz-funk, soul, and R&B. His music, with its hypnotic grooves and rich instrumentation, defined an era and transcended generations. Ayers’ impact didn’t stop at jazz-funk—his rhythms, melodies, and unmistakable style heavily influenced hip-hop and R&B musicians over the years.