Remembering the lives of a funk music pioneer (84) and Baywatch star (61)
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Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised.
The entertainment industry has lost two influential figures today.
One changed the way we enjoy music, and the other was a recurring star in one of the most popular television franchises worldwide.
Jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers has passed away at 84 years old.
According to his family's official statement, Ayers passed away after battling a long illness.
Ayers was behind several timeless hits, including the carefree anthem 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine'.
His passing left behind a legacy that transcended genres and generations.
Born on 10 September 1940 in Los Angeles, California, Roy Ayers was destined for a life filled with music.
His mother, Ruby, was a teacher and a piano instructor, while his father, Roy Sr, was a trombonist on top of his day job.
Ayers was introduced to the piano at an early age, and his proximity to jazz musician Bobby Hutcherson further ignited his passion for music.
Ayers' formal education in advanced music theory at Los Angeles City College laid the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career.
In 1963, Roy Ayers released his debut album, West Coast Vibes, which hinted at the cool, laid-back sound that would be prominent later on.
To fully showcase his musicality, he founded Roy Ayers Ubiquity.
Ayers developed a signature jazz-funk sound, with the vibraphone at its heart—an instrument he mastered after meeting jazz legend Lionel Hampton.
Hampton gifted Ayers a pair of vibraphone mallets when he was five years old, which later on inspired him to play the instrument.
Ayers' career was nothing short of prolific.
When his 1967 single 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' hit the airwaves, he had already released over a dozen albums.
His early collaborations with Herbie Mann, including a four-year partnership and performances at the Newport Jazz Festival, showcased his versatility and willingness to blend different musical styles.
His contributions to the music industry earned him the title of Godfather of Neo Soul.
Ayers' approach to music was rooted in a deep understanding of its cultural origins.
He once reflected on the essence of soul music and acknowledged its African roots.
This awareness allowed Ayers to create sounds that resonated with a broad audience.
The world embraced Ayers' talent, with hits like 'Get on Up, Get on Down,' 'Heat of the Beat,' and 'Don't Stop the Feeling' charting in several countries.
His score for the 1973 Blaxploitation film Coffy received critical acclaim and featured the talents of vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and pianist Harry Whitaker.
'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' eventually became Ayers' most famous track.
Listen to his live performance of 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' on NPR's Tiny Desk:
Source: NPR Music/YouTube
Ayers created the single during a hot summer day at New York's Electric Lady studios.
Ayers' musings on summer imagery and the simple yet profound phrase 'Everybody loves the sunshine' captured the essence of the season.
'Everybody Loves The Sunshine' became one of the most sampled jazz records ever, as it influenced contemporary artists like Mary J. Blige, Dr Dre, Pharrell Williams, and Tyler the Creator.
On the other hand, the television industry mourns the tragic passing of Hollywood star Pamela Bach.
She passed away at 61 years old.
Bach was famous for her role on the iconic television series Baywatch.
Eventually, she became the ex-wife of fellow Baywatch star David Hasselhoff.
Pamela was discovered lifeless in a home on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that suicide was the cause of her passing.
Her passing sent shockwaves through the industry and fans who cherished her work.
Pamela Bach's journey to stardom began when she met David Hasselhoff while filming the '80s crime drama Knight Rider.
Their relationship blossomed into marriage in 1989.
Bach and Hasselhoff had two daughters—Hayley and Taylor Ann.
Although their union ended in divorce in 2006, their shared history and family ties remained a significant part of their lives.
Throughout her career, Pamela graced TV screens.
Pamela Bach was most famous for her role in Baywatch as Kaye Morgan.
She also appeared in several TV series such as The Young and the Restless and Cheers.
Her most recent acting credit was in the 2014 horror film Mansion of Blood, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
The news of her passing left many of her fans and colleagues in a state of disbelief.
Fans flooded social media with messages of love and farewell for Bach.
The outpouring of grief was a testament to the impact Pamela had on those who admired her work.
Her presence on Baywatch and other shows will continue to be celebrated, even as fans grapple with her passing.
May both of these influential figures rest in peace.
For readers who may be going through a mental health crisis, Lifeline Australia is available to help at 13 11 14.
The entertainment industry has lost two influential figures today.
One changed the way we enjoy music, and the other was a recurring star in one of the most popular television franchises worldwide.
Jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers has passed away at 84 years old.
According to his family's official statement, Ayers passed away after battling a long illness.
Ayers was behind several timeless hits, including the carefree anthem 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine'.
His passing left behind a legacy that transcended genres and generations.
Roy Ayers, vibrant in yellow in the cover art for 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine'. Image Credit: Consequence
Born on 10 September 1940 in Los Angeles, California, Roy Ayers was destined for a life filled with music.
His mother, Ruby, was a teacher and a piano instructor, while his father, Roy Sr, was a trombonist on top of his day job.
Ayers was introduced to the piano at an early age, and his proximity to jazz musician Bobby Hutcherson further ignited his passion for music.
Ayers' formal education in advanced music theory at Los Angeles City College laid the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career.
In 1963, Roy Ayers released his debut album, West Coast Vibes, which hinted at the cool, laid-back sound that would be prominent later on.
To fully showcase his musicality, he founded Roy Ayers Ubiquity.
Ayers developed a signature jazz-funk sound, with the vibraphone at its heart—an instrument he mastered after meeting jazz legend Lionel Hampton.
Hampton gifted Ayers a pair of vibraphone mallets when he was five years old, which later on inspired him to play the instrument.
Ayers' career was nothing short of prolific.
When his 1967 single 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' hit the airwaves, he had already released over a dozen albums.
His early collaborations with Herbie Mann, including a four-year partnership and performances at the Newport Jazz Festival, showcased his versatility and willingness to blend different musical styles.
His contributions to the music industry earned him the title of Godfather of Neo Soul.
Ayers' approach to music was rooted in a deep understanding of its cultural origins.
He once reflected on the essence of soul music and acknowledged its African roots.
This awareness allowed Ayers to create sounds that resonated with a broad audience.
The world embraced Ayers' talent, with hits like 'Get on Up, Get on Down,' 'Heat of the Beat,' and 'Don't Stop the Feeling' charting in several countries.
His score for the 1973 Blaxploitation film Coffy received critical acclaim and featured the talents of vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and pianist Harry Whitaker.
'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' eventually became Ayers' most famous track.
Listen to his live performance of 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' on NPR's Tiny Desk:
Source: NPR Music/YouTube
Ayers created the single during a hot summer day at New York's Electric Lady studios.
Ayers' musings on summer imagery and the simple yet profound phrase 'Everybody loves the sunshine' captured the essence of the season.
'Everybody Loves The Sunshine' became one of the most sampled jazz records ever, as it influenced contemporary artists like Mary J. Blige, Dr Dre, Pharrell Williams, and Tyler the Creator.
On the other hand, the television industry mourns the tragic passing of Hollywood star Pamela Bach.
She passed away at 61 years old.
Bach was famous for her role on the iconic television series Baywatch.
Eventually, she became the ex-wife of fellow Baywatch star David Hasselhoff.
Pamela Bach with her then-husband David Hasselhoff and their children. Image Credit: People
Pamela was discovered lifeless in a home on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that suicide was the cause of her passing.
Her passing sent shockwaves through the industry and fans who cherished her work.
Pamela Bach's journey to stardom began when she met David Hasselhoff while filming the '80s crime drama Knight Rider.
Their relationship blossomed into marriage in 1989.
Bach and Hasselhoff had two daughters—Hayley and Taylor Ann.
Although their union ended in divorce in 2006, their shared history and family ties remained a significant part of their lives.
Throughout her career, Pamela graced TV screens.
Pamela Bach was most famous for her role in Baywatch as Kaye Morgan.
She also appeared in several TV series such as The Young and the Restless and Cheers.
Her most recent acting credit was in the 2014 horror film Mansion of Blood, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
The news of her passing left many of her fans and colleagues in a state of disbelief.
Fans flooded social media with messages of love and farewell for Bach.
The outpouring of grief was a testament to the impact Pamela had on those who admired her work.
Her presence on Baywatch and other shows will continue to be celebrated, even as fans grapple with her passing.
For readers who may be going through a mental health crisis, Lifeline Australia is available to help at 13 11 14.
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May you rest in eternal peace Pamela and Roy and condolences to your families.
and Roy 
I hope that wasn't his best song
