Roy Ayers (born September 10, 1940) – The Memory (1976)

The most sampled artist of all time co-wrote this superb, haunting track for his Vibrations LP with vocalist Edwin Birdsong and bassist William Allen.

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Living legend Roy Ayers released his first record in 1963 and this year, six decades later in 2023, he is winding down his worldwide farewell tour. The singer/songwriter, vibraphonist, and producer is arguably the most-sampled artist of all time.

Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Ayers was surrounded by music. His mother played the piano, his father was a trombonist, and their neighborhood was dotted with bars and nightclubs. At age five, he was handed his first pair of vibraphone mallets by jazz great Lionel Hampton.

For his Vibrations LP, released in 1976 and credited to Roy Ayers Ubiquity, he wrote the beautiful love jam “Searching,” which he memorably performed on Soul Train.

From the same album, he also wrote the stellar upbeat workout “Moving, Grooving.” Along with vocalist Edwin Birdsong and bassist William Allen, he co-wrote the superb, haunting track “The Memory.”

In 2004, BBE Music released the incredible Virgin Ubiquity (Unreleased Recordings 1976-81) compilation of some of his previously unavailable work.

Happy Birthday to the great Roy Ayers.

Further info:

“An introduction to Roy Ayers in 10 records,” by Nate Patrin, The Vinyl Factory, August 11, 2017.

#soul #funk #RoyAyers