Roy Ayers is an American funk, soul, and jazz composer, vibraphonist, and producer, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of jazz-funk. Active since the 1960s, Ayers became especially influential in the 1970s with his fusion of jazz, R&B, and funk elements. His innovative sound has earned him a lasting legacy, and his work has been widely sampled in hip-hop and electronic music. Ayers is often credited as a key figure in the development of neo-soul and acid jazz.