ROY AYERS TRIBUTE

Atlanta is  celebrating the legendary Roy Ayers. A pioneer of jazz-funk, vibraphonist, composer, and producer whose sound became the heartbeat of Black culture from the 1970s through today. Often dubbed the “Godfather of Neo-Soul,” Ayers’ genre-bending artistry shaped the sonic foundation for countless artists, from Erykah Badu and The Roots to A Tribe Called Quest and Common.

Long before the dancefloors of Harlem to the airwaves of London and the sample-heavy beats of 90s hip hop, Roy Ayers’ Ayers started recording as a bebop sideman in 1962. In 1963, he released his debut studio album West Coast Vibes featuring a collaboration with the saxophonist Curtis Amy. He rose to prominence when he dropped out of Los Angeles City College and joined jazz flautist Herbie Mann in 1966. His music has transcended generations, inspiring a movement rooted in rhythm, liberation, and Black excellence.

Hosted by WCLK’s Morris Baxter, the evening will be opened by Heda Rose, followed by Mark Adams and a host of Atlanta musicians and vocalists.