Roy Ayers: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

March 1, 2018 | Abby O'Neill -- Roy Ayers arrived at his Tiny Desk performance beaming with positivity. The 77-year-old funk icon and vibraphonist sauntered through the office with a Cheshire grin on his face, sharing jokes with anyone within earshot. Accompanying him was a trio of brilliantly seasoned musicians - keyboardist Mark Adams, bassist Trevor Allen and drummer Christopher De Carmine. Later during the performance, pride washed across Ayers' face as his bandmates took the spotlight. (Be sure to watch as Adams woos not just the room but brightens Ayers' face during his solo.)
The set began with one of Ayers' more recognizable hits: an extended version of "Searching," a song that embodies the eternal quest for peace and love. During "Black Family" (from his 1983 album Lots Of Love), you'll hear him call out "Fela" throughout. That's because Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti was a huge influence on Ayers in the late 1970s; the two eventually collaborated on an album, 1980's Music Of Many Colors. "Black Family" is, in part, a tribute to Fela, even if the original version didn't include his name.
Concluding this mini-concert, Ayers closed the set out with his signature tune, "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", a feel-good ode if there ever was one. The essence of this song flowed right through him and out to the NPR audience.
SET LIST
"Searching"
"Black Family"
"Everybody Loves The Sunshine"
MUSICIANS
Roy Ayers, Mark Adams (keyboards), Trevor Allen (bass), Christopher De Carmine (drums)
CREDITS
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kara Frame, Bronson Arcuri, Dani Lyman; Production Assistant: Joshua Bote; Photo: Jenna Sterner/NPR.

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@valentinawilson7730]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@iamlove113]

I dig it

[@AWALLFLY69]

Speak on it! ❤🖤💚 💪🏽

[@valeriechambers3159]

After a concert around '78-'79 Roy Ayers walked into a local house party. He looked at me and said "Hey! you the girl that knew all the words to all my songs. He then sat down with me at the piano and played You Send Me!!! one of the greatest moments of my life!! Surreal!

[@derrick_smitty]

Valerie Chambers great story!!

[@koolkenny73]

Wowwww 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@theodoreowens2506]

Amazing!

[@9geisha]

Wow. That’s just.... wow.😭🌍🙏🏼

[@francesguillaume6284]

Wow😳

[@sevinatenine4444]

PLEASE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME VOTERS,VOTE THIS MAN THE ROCK & AND ROLL HALL OF FAME ALREADY BEFORE HE DIES.HE IS AS OF 2-19-2024 83 YEARS OLD AND IS NOT GOING TO LIVE FOREVER.HE IS WORTHY OF THE HALL OF FAME.

[@djunclephill422]

Well said, thank you 🙏 please can you reply with the link how to vote. Kind regards UnclePhill

[@christophermichaels6569]

1000%

[@illanoiz1]

NOBODY plays a xylophone like ROY period!

[@r8ersfan]

OG’s: “Exactly!!” Youngstas:”Whats an Xylophone?” And that’s not the youngstas fault!Public schools been took away instruments

[@ekinataman735]

It’s a vibraphone but yeah.

[@curtiswallen549]

Roy Ayers??? NPR officially has the best channel on KZbin.

[@healthehoodgodbeengood6643]

The most factual comment ever

[@soulstarmusiclover1254]

Curtis Wallen I agree, I would like to go but it's located in Washington DC. Hope they come out West to Cali.

[@juliend6283]

Nah fr.

[@uking_nl3990]

Thanks yes, Roy !

[@paisleyprincess7996]

SAY IT!

[@graywolf2107]

This man inspired so many sounds...hip hop owes him as well.

[@oRuTRa45]

Hip-Hop, Acid Jazz, Neo Soul, some House even...

[@tyronephillips3188]

Word

[@BronzeVenus]

"some" house? "Sweet Tears", "Running Away" and "Don't Stop The Feeling" are part of the foundation of Chicago House.

[@rodrigobrigante6286]

for reaaal

[@demultiplexeur2]

One of the most sampled.

[@richardmasters2045]

This man is amazing at 81 years old still doing concerts

[@Pacome.de.Champignac]

Sadly the current tour will probably be his last. I saw him a month ago, the backing band killed it but he seemed really tired and exited stage early... Amazing that he kept touring this long though, the man is a legend.

[@ilovegoodsax]

@@Pacome.de.Champignac Roy will at Yoshi's in Oakland, CA for two nights in September 2023. It's being billed as Roy's Farewell Tour. The shows are almost sold out.

[@kcasey1983]

I wish Gil Scott heron was still alive. Would've loved to see him on here

[@wfberan]

Absolutely true. Gil was a giant. 50 years from now people will still be digging him.

[@ErikaMcQueen89]

That would’ve been amazing

[@BLACKSENSUALITY]

K Casey You said a mouthful. I would have loved to see him do his thing here.

[@prettyhamburger6462]

I was thinking about him the whole time...

[@sweetwildangel1]

WHEN DID HE PASS? I NEVER HEARD... I LOVE GILL SCOTT HERRON 💞 RIP

[@dalemcilwain]

It's not just hip-hop, jazz, neo-soul & acid jazz that needs to pay homage. It's also the house community owes Roy Ayers big time. Giving him his flowers while he is still with us.🌷🌷🌹🌹

[@AnmlPeeweeIsHere]

Roy Ayers is a legendary artist. So many other artists owe him big time i agree 100%. He pioneered acid jazz and neo soul. True talent and skill

[@NPGLAMB]

Right ! All that classic house. They had this jazz sound

[@newChiller]

True. Came here from listening to Scott Grooves.

[@robnbeats2403]

DANGEROUS VIBES!!!!

[@CSM100MK2]

one of the few times I actually believe a comment story!

[@Jay-ue2ic]

The thing I love most: the band seems to actually understand how fortunate they are to be backing a legend.

[@dollardv]

Paying homage to the man that pioneered this style of music called acid jazz , neo soul , and jazz funk , . Still putting in work as a elder and still sounding smooth , and magnificent , . Stay up my brother we love Shalom .

[@ajball9463]

Would also add Donald Byrd as well.

[@illuzeweb]

Neo Soul was termed from Jay Dilla

[@oaxacaflockaflame9294]

Saw him last month. Dude still rips.

[@mlopezr28]

Darnell Walker So true! He planted the seed way ahead of times!

[@langansel]

amen brother

[@gerarpope6581]

The 10 people that disliked this awesome performance probably don't love the sunshine. LOL!

[@patienceISavirtue75]

Gerar Pope talk that shhhh! So true!

[@sgvmvp]

Pray for them. All this loud stuff today get em messed up.

[@philiprose2784]

Well said

[@LOJ777]

Haha yea

[@kamaukirikourexi3955]

Gerar Pope Oh I didn't even see those guys

[@GrootmanSipho]

Roy Ayers, Gil Scott-Heron, Herbie Hancock were phenomenal. I also love that they collaborated and experimented with hip hop sounds when other legends wouldn't... Good people

[@buckbenelli8]

Played some gil Scott for some brothers in Detroit around 85, they had no clue who he was and why white dudes were enjoying his lyrics. Music was just better in the day.

[@diannebatis1114]

Gil's always been one of this old "white" lady's favorites. Saw him live many times; such a blissing

[@reesesm3730]

Yes, Gil was a treasure. An American Treasure. Should've received an award at the Kennedy Center for his impact in song for human rights.

[@301cameosis]

Gil Scott-Heron & The Last Poets invented political rap

[@Renee-bt3so]

In college around 1974 Roy Ayers played there at slippery Rock State and I had the honor to have him as a guest at my house! I'm 68 and I can still hear my roommate say toh him:" Roy! You want some more eggs!" Go memories!

[@Blewisarts]

I swear bass players be the coolest people in the band

[@matthewgales3057]

I got the pleasure to talk to Mr Allen (Bassist) when Roy and his band came to DC. He’s genuinely the smoothest most laid back brotha I’ve ever met. Left me with some good advice too.

[@tstatontko]

Always 🕶

[@Lucy-ey6xl]

Always✨✨✨💖

[@Lucy-ey6xl]

@@tstatontko two persons one thought😂

[@newtfiles]

2nd coolest

[@DaS718]

Roy Ayers is a national treasure

[@THETHICKONE06]

Please get Mary j blige!

[@LittleBuddha88]

AMEN

[@Si-Al-Ti]

And 9/11 was a national tragedy

[@Someplaceinthemiddle2025]

DaS718 word!!!

[@joseantoniovieitez2543]

and even an international one :)

[@TheAnduwan18]

Somebody give the drummer some love. He felt every song in his soul and it came out on his drums

[@Jeanelle_Char]

My favorite thing about this is hearing how aged and faded his voice sounds but the same passion is still there. True passion never fades. True passion is forever and that goes for anything. Also, I enjoyed seeing the gentleman on the keyboard constantly smile at Mr. Roy.

[@BarbButler]

💗 💖 💘 💝 💟 ☮️!!!!!!!!! That happens to be my friend, Mark Adams... I love the way he does that as well!! Extreme reverence and protectiveness!!!

[@rodneyelzie5261]

Strong legends spirit lives on and its amazing to still have that 👑 tha shines

[@billyflowers1]

Exactly, at FIRST, it conjured up an old man, but as I continued to listen, I started grooving like it was 1974 again

[@frankieroberson3398]

They voice is going to fade one day, I totally agree with you.

[@memecunningham8484]

@@BarbButler absolutely... so organic

[@80RM]

These young or clueless dudes need to understand that rappers, producers such as Pete Rock and singers such as Mary J Blige sampled this man's music. To see him still performing at this point of his life is God sent. Salute to a legend that is Mr. Roy Ayers.

[@chiffonsmith1892]

AMEN" YESSSSSSS 💯💥

[@calvinmiller9049]

They tarded

[@kalo-skills8680]

4 REAL

[@chordandjocks]

can you not just enjoy the music?

[@luciSch95]

Kendrick also sampled his music, and Pharrell named his kid after him

[@bundolo48]

Mark Adams on keyboards is a MASTER!

[@VioletNicol]

And seemingly honored to be there 🙌🏾

[@RolandBossio]

increible mk

[@TheKyleMcVay]

That early solo was amazing! Supporting sound of course helped.

[@justinhoraniii9967]

I am a 31 year old man. I cried a little bit when I heard everybody loves the sunshine. I’m super happy and impressed

[@bert3163]

Justin Horan III His music seriously resonates across space and time. It’s crazy. I guess it reminds us that all humans are fundamentally connected on certain levels.

[@daspotjoel]

Just saw him live and so as a 31 year old man, I wept.

[@mr.jazzbodkelsey58]

You wanna whaa-mburger and some french cries? Hehe 😜

[@sevenstreams7581]

You are in for a treat. Just look for him everywhere

[@xiao4869]

Every single musician in this group is extremely talented

[@CAPRESEGREEN]

There is a level of respect for the music that is refreshing to see today

[@voiduplink3133]

TRUTH!!!

[@XCurvyBarbieX]

it's so tight it's insane

[@ermitanyo777]

You can sit with sir roy if it wasnt.

[@staysXe]

Big man on the bass just in his own galaxy, chillin, vibin, thrivin, holding it down for the other nebulas and such

[@Portia...]

Roy...you are 78 and you are still searching! You great man and musician, thanks!

[@ttcgs9077]

Went to him at the Jazz cafe on Tuesday he is looking a bit frail but did his thing sat down and let the band di their thing then up for more singing Awesome at his age

[@nileyposst]

yes!!!!!

[@nileyposst]

ahhh i love him..what an incredible soul

[@llttrr]

My guy on the keyboard is enjoying life and I can dig it.

[@AmazingJayB51]

Leon I notice that too!!!

[@habemusfyah]

Smiling from beginning to the end! Mark Adams is the name.

[@sephoralove28]

Yes he is!

[@Zjayc777]

Maybe

[@desdavis5741]

Hell I would be cheesing and diddy bopping if Roy chose me as his keyboardist for a Tiny Desk gig

[@curmoore]

One of the greatest things about Ayers is his ability to sit back and vibe with the folks playing his music. He knows when to come in and out in the most tasteful way. It’s his music but he knows how to let the people playing with him shine

[@johnjoseph2294]

❤

[@feliciawilliams5720]

Yes 🙌🏾✊🏾👏🏾🎶🧡

[@ChrisTopher09]

He's been playing the vibe longer then you've been alive!!!

[@alberthofmann4242]

totally

[@steecaz]

@@alberthofmann4242 true! :D

[@davidbrogan432]

🙇🙏😅😂😇🙇

[@oskarn4433]

The Drummer isn't getting enough love... he really knows how to play it down when he needs to, all while really feeling the music! I appreciate people like him

[@denamae2158]

I agree the drummer is handle'n da buisness! 🔊 🙌🎵💕💞

[@baws28]

Saw him live last night in Glasgow scotland. Same rythym section different guy on keys. The drummer was out of this world. He knows exactly exactly exactly what he is doing. They were in fact all excellent. Roy Ayers spent most of his time with his back to the audience digging his band. Top notch music in every way!

[@navenetoow3488]

The rhythm section folks are usually the underrated heroes of bands, I tell ya what

[@WuWei_94]

Ya i think the place is too small for him to really bang on them and that is kind of a problem because Roy's music is FUNKY af. You can't get funky while keeping taps on volume at the same time.

[@MarianoGabrielConti]

yeah, you can tell that he knows how to keep everything in place and at the same time doing it in a subtle and elegant way.

[@MakeupByMarshy]

the fact that he opened up w “Searching” WITH the xylophone?!! MAN!! endless GLATITUDE to the entire Tiny Desk & NPR team for this blessing!

[@noaharkadedelgado]

Vibraphone

[@lonelyratgames]

Gratitude*

[@jazzymoni7750]

He, Gil Scott Heron, and Idris Muhammad are the pioneers and godfathers of Neo-Soul & Acid Jazz. I wish Idris and Gil were still here. 💗

[@ansaarhtmaeotunnnycsw9987]

SISTER, THESE YOUNGINS WOULDN'T OVERSTAND COMPLETELY THAT SOUND, BUT WE MUST GIVE IT TO THEM THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE, I'VE DONE MY PART BY SHARING IT WITH MY TWIN GIRLS ( BORN ON VALENTINE'S DAY/ MY SON, AN GRANDKIDS,...MIND YOU MY EX WIFE IS FROM PANAMA YES I TOOK THE MUSIC WITH ME IN THE NORIEGA THING,...ANYWAY SISTER DO YOU PART AN SPREAD THIS LOVE ON WHAT EVER PART OF THE PLANET YOUR ON...RAAHUBAAT YAARSAAR SISTER...

[@pearlbarkley1019]

Jazzy Moni. Don't forget Monk Dizzy John Pharoah Miles and on and on oh yes...McCoy Tyner Lonnie Liston Smith Cecil McBee .... we have so much to be grateful for!!!!

[@johncouzens1623]

Jazz Funk we called it in the late 70s...its all good stuff though!

[@factnotfiction761]

Thank you 💗

[@pearlbarkley1019]

And Gil is a major contributor to rap!!!

[@thisisddb6225]

please protect Roy.

[@ActualKaktus]

Roy's catalogue runs DEEP. One of the most prolific and influential artists of all time.

[@feliciawilliams5720]

Yeah ✊🏾🎶🧡

[@tee4684]

Absolutely!

[@eric02156]

Yes.. Roy Ayers & Ubiquity back in the 1970's

[@abeladames1376]

THIS. IS WHAT THE UNIVERSE SOUNDS LIKE WHEN IT WAS BEING CREATED AND ROY REMEMBERS THE NOTES LOVE AND RESPECT MR ROY AYERS IM STILL SEARCHING

[@mssuggasweet]

This is the exact sound😁 I know it!!!!!! Perfect

[@jsamc]

That was cool !

[@starstar8644]

Dun kno! Real talk. Another NPR performance to listen to during my 5k run... I'll be flying 🙆

[@feliciasmith3481]

Deep.

[@LadyZhe]

When he started playing that vibraphone solo I couldn't do nothing but keep the stank face on. Jazz Master. I'm Bowing all the way down. YAAASSSSSS

[@Lovliqueen]

OKAYYYYYY!

[@styledtothetop3579]

My childhood… momma played some good music!! Life was optimistic and sweet. She played Roy a lot!!!

[@al_alldaychriswilliams85rf16]

Dude on the keys was killing it. Even Mr. Ayers just sat back and enjoyed him.

[@navenetoow3488]

Yeah Mr. keys was doin' it dope

[@nickmanz4807]

ennit much prefered his solos to roys

[@georgecoleman4300]

How does this have thumbs down for a legend to be performing at such a stately age? Who raised you?

[@Sanctified994]

george coleman the Concrete Jungle raised them👊

[@DK-qj7cr]

george coleman :raised by Neanderthal wolves 🐺 (yeah I know nothing like that exists) 🤣😂💀🤣😂💀

[@TriumphAventura]

they were just non raised by anyone

[@bettyveronica460]

I know!

[@terencereed2222]

HATERS!!!😤

[@angerylaughs7638]

For the guy on the keys to multitask like that he is a genius. His brain works different bravo

[@Shadwav]

whoever came up with npr music thank you

[@titusbomber3270]

THE BEST KEYBOARD PLAYER I HAVE SEEN ON THESE SERIES

[@through-composed7795]

Titus Bomber , he’s a Very good keyboard player, he’s top draw.Nice feel.

[@angelr661]

That man is the one and only Mark Adams-he was my music professor and mentor :)

[@jcoburn3590]

I will say he is great! Not saying that either one is better than the other, but please watch Pedrito Martinez' Tiny Desk though- I think you will appreciate it. Happy watching! Edit: Also let's not forget Robert Glasper has a couple Tiny Desks as well and he plays keyboard, but I assume you meant supporting musicians, not the artist themselves...

[@katzganare]

@@jcoburn3590 Robert Glasper!!! That's it!

[@tonytooth1573]

you've got to be kiddin' :)))

[@kai-ho8tg]

one of the best qualities roy ayers has is that he just looks like hes having fun

[@ashleyjohnson913]

He played the hell out of that xylophone and keyboard!!!! Omg ! I love his stank face. Best episode

[@angelr661]

Ashley Johnson that is the time only Mark Adams-he was my music professor and mentor

[@MultiLuigi7]

Vibraphone

[@emanuelparker5470]

He's classic old school I grew up on this most glorious music

[@emanuelparker5470]

And good vibrations is that song and runaway love

[@prod.newmagiciane2342]

That’s a vibraphone.

[@IveDoneItWrong]

How did I miss this one for a year and a half? I’ve been listening to Roy Ayers since I was 15. NPR providing a true public service with this one.

[@fujitafunk]

I love that he sits back and just grooves with the other band members. He's giving recognition to the younger generation who love him just as much.

[@ironprophet9866]

How often my father and mother slow danced in our living room. They made us feel loved when THEY displayed love towards one another. I pray when I find that right woman, we will slow dance to this song and all of your albums, my big brother Roy Ayers. May you live another 78 years and sing again how you are searching.

[@evanwolf6618]

☀️ when the right one comes along , you will know it . 🕊

[@iamlove113]

Dear Brothas, Iorn prophet… My Lord, my father!! That’s my hunger too. Just my beloved and I, vibin in the pocket… let the food burn, bills wait, people fuss… Us two, barely moving, micro swaying, heartbeats synched, defying basic physics as our two masses occupy the same space. I encourage both you and I. The wait will be worth it. Much Peace Your Sista

[@lydiag.3990]

And he started off with Searchin 😍💛

[@ThePecanTan]

Right!!!

[@ruffiankick]

blows my mind that he did that shit first!

[@leonardevans1995]

One of my faves, sampled by Mary J..Blige. ❤❤❤

[@whatdothlife4660]

This drummer is so commited to keeping it simple.

[@bearclaw5115]

The level of musicianship here is just outta control!

[@fedoramcclaren4294]

Roy Ayers is one of the most humblest beings I've ever met...met him outside of a club, and we spoke for a bit...

[@Auntkekebaby]

I met him while he was getting a slice of pizza in Central Park.

[@fedoramcclaren4294]

@@Auntkekebaby Oh wow, for real?

[@Speedfirst]

To say that Roy is a master on the xylophone, is an understatement, what a master he is!!

[@feliciawilliams5720]

Yes 👏🏾

[@strawbunny99]

My brother in Christ that is a vibraphone. Both are keyboard instruments though

[@nappilocsgyrl3247]

Mr. Ayers is a master's Master Teacher, In my humble opinion. That you didn't ask for. Lol

[@BboyMino]

props to the drummer that guy is a beast.

[@michaelkirkland1929]

BAD BAD BAD DUDE.

[@nappilocsgyrl3247]

Ain't He?!?!?!!!?

[@cashox4]

the voice might have faded a little, but those hands still have perfect memory and rhythm ! amazing :D

[@JT-mo8fk]

🥂🍾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🌞brightened my day, just to see him perform !

[@derrickhahn3469]

The voice, eyes, speed and strength will all fade away, but the soul will live forever. ✌

[@minikapreston5188]

My mom was shocked when I came home from college with his greatest hits!! I was grooving and studying to this!

[@eliasmihoub1996]

The man the two keyboards is a magician ! Roy Ayers is a legend, a monument !

[@kacyburwell4339]

Elias Mihoub yes!

[@nappilocsgyrl3247]

Roy knows how to pick a BAND, don't he?!?!!

[@ExMeroMotu9]

-Folks get brown in the sunshine. Roy Ayers. 2018

[@fabioduraes8935]

This is real music !!! Very very good !!!

[@lateshiachilds3640]

I’m 39 and I’m a Roy Ayers fan, this is one of the greatest Tiny Desk Concerts ever.

[@estelle5406]

Roy Ayers deserves his flowers. This man is a LEGEND!

[@sujagfanful]

One of the best grooving sessions ever. Every few months i watch this. Legend Roy Ayers

[@Christianpreaching]

THIS IS REAL MUSIC. I love that keyboard work the most

[@kacyburwell4339]

Christianpreaching absolutely

[@1301407gl]

Yes this is great but all music is "real music". The question is whether you like it or not

[@ambero7175]

* body slowly begins to levitate and become one with the universe *

[@str8spittin]

amber o : my thoughts exactly...😊👌🏽👍🏾

[@December_baby04]

amber o this.

[@ohsoocrazy]

😂😂😂😂

[@domnel3981]

There!

[@dn30001]

Nah..that was just Thanos snapping his fingers boo

[@stephengiese7549]

Who can forget everybody loves sunshine, running away, searching, etc been listening since no stranger to love😊

[@hugomirandaclaro]

Thank you GURU for introducing me Roy Ayers at Jazzmatazz Vol.1. R.I.P.

[@MLGmountainjew]

Hugo Claro rip Guru

[@HDitzzDH]

Baldhead Slick! My favorite Jazzmatazz album, volume 2 at a close second.

[@Traiga108]

Rip GURU

[@nomeldaeh]

Jazzmatazz and Guru and Heck even Gangstàrr were ahead of their time

[@Chefjoe63]

Roy Ayers is my jazz hero, his music has always been the soundtrack of my life from my early teens to me at 56 years old. He is a very nice and kind dude and i had the pleasure of meeting him and hanging with him for a while when he was in town. My profile picture is from that incredible moment in my life with him and i together.

[@warrenspeaks]

WOW!

[@islandgal2583]

Your quite a fortunate one I will say 👍🏾😁

[@tonycisco8105]

I saw him perform in Chicago in 1978. This dude is GOOD!!! I have loved his music since then. I'm 59.

[@monam.5923]

Soundtrack to growing up. ❤️

[@Jay-ue2ic]

I’m 47 and discovered him in my early 20s when I realized who all those rappers were sampling. This man’s music has been the soundtrack of my life.

[@jackjackrvaglobal365]

I had the honor of chaperoning Mr Ayers twice. He’s super funny, straight forward, welcoming, and charming. I’ll never forget those moments spent with such a legend🤎

[@Gizms12]

Don’t hurt me so good Mr. Ayers, man I really wish they sold these desk concerts sound tracks, they are one of the best things on the internet

[@MrWrightNowTV]

The great Roy Ayers my mom use to play his records when I was young when she would clean the house now I do the same in my house of course lol

[@kwamezulushabazz]

Kinda amazing how we become our parents. God bless, my brother 🙏🏿

[@ericaan3430]

Yes! My mom would entertain friends with Roy playing in the background and incense burning 😍😍😍

[@Jay-ue2ic]

That’s lovely. My daughter thinks “Pretty Brown Skin” was made just for her.

[@diegomorera8822]

Lets appreciate the fact this man is still around and going strong, such a huge inspiration, Roy is THE man!

[@dundusthemaverick7476]

"love love love love love love love" he forgets the lyrics and still sounds awesome!

[@dp9241lover]

You can tell how happy he was to be performing I love it.

[@tracehines7263]

Always on deck-his VIBRATION 🎶🎵🎼🎤🎧🎧👊🏾💙🩵💙🧬🫡🫡

[@dubdubdubdub]

30 seconds in.... Hit the like button. Coolest rhythm section ever.

[@southtexashustler]

“One of the few we have left... There will never be another like Mr. Roy Ayers.... Timeless music that is hard to duplicate... Hats off to you Mr. Ayers....”✌🏾🙏🏾

[@reginaldbrown8012]

I hope I’m this vibrant at 82. Roy Ayers is a treasure. Greatest performance ever. Thanks NPR👍🏿

[@SoundboyStrange]

Bill Withers Tiny Desk PLEASE (I know it's a one in a million chance but I can dream can't I)

[@TakeKareMusic]

Byron Webb yes!!!!

[@afrosoul1369]

Byron Webb Yessss Please

[@fantometen4570]

Didn't he retire over 30 years ago?

[@katlegomakwakwa1243]

💪

[@BLACKSENSUALITY]

Byron Webb Well i hope they snag that one then. Bill Withers & that distinctive voice on TDC. I would love it.

[@johnnyalone4]

Since there is Roy Ayers, there is more sunshine. The same for NPR. Keep it up

[@chefk.carter]

I’m 28 and I enjoyed this so much I got a dope mom who played everything in our house so I appreciate this 🖤🙏🏾

[@tonicemona933]

💯

[@mre1love1love]

Big big UPS to your mom's

[@sholaebofin6090]

Your mom's a classy woman 👌

[@bernios3446]

Although showing his age, he is so fresh so alive and curious. I love the way he is looking and listening his fellow musicians. Music just keeps fresh.

[@djceejaay]

I saw Roy Ayers in concert when I was a kid. I was just discovering myself as a man, just beginning to know what music was going to MEAN to me. It was a big part of me but I had no idea what this music would do to me and how it would mold me and build. Thank God for this post...it brought me to tears. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THIS MUSIC AND THE LEGACY OF THESE GREAT, GREAT MUSICIANS ALIVE. PEACE 🙏🏾✌🏾

[@a.toniboysmith7360]

God bless you 🙏😇

[@SS-ii6nz]

Roy Ayers is an amazing artist.He is an incredible instrumental genius. Everyone loves the ☀ sunshine❤❤ Luv you forever Mr. Roy Ayers and the Musicians were fantastic. One of the best concerts❤

[@zacharybarnes1266]

I'm 23 and have been bumping the album "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" all summer

[@porschepanamera92]

If you haven't yet, give the version of Takuya Kuroda and Jose James a listen. Brilliant adaptation imo.

[@timfleegle7157]

Y’cuda

[@deacontheseer4804]

You need to hear "This Side of Sunshine"

[@tuti660]

i love that piano dude cuz alwayz smilin lol

[@barroningram7286]

he can put it down too

[@jepensedoncjesuis4813]

He is aware and greatful of that magical moment with that living Legend!🙏

[@eggedon6112]

He's SO fine! Whew!!

[@Jay-ue2ic]

Because piano dude knows he’s working with a legend and it still hasn’t gotten old yet. That’s reverence.

[@Jay-ue2ic]

@@jepensedoncjesuis4813 exactly. That’s an honor to be working with a living legend.

[@phangimaluleke8426]

Officially the best Tiny Desk Concert hands down!!!! 🔥😭🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@MarciaSmart-n7p]

Dope 🎶

[@RonnieKnxville]

These groovy tunes makes me wanna smoke one!! AND I DONT EVEN SMOKE!! Haha! Roy and the band are living their best life in this session!!!

[@MasekoConverse]

too beautiful for words, the sacred iconic Ayers we are blessed to still have him

[@AfrikanGod1]

Legend... I don't need to expand my speech or use more words to manifest how deeply i appreciate his life and legacy...

[@jilmkop]

That´s almost word for word what I was thinking a moment ago, when I began to watch the video!

[@navenetoow3488]

I hear ya man, there isn't much you can say that he doesn't say himself with the sound

[@Icanseeyouliterally]

True.

[@Cevensities]

Truth! My father put me up on Roy Ayers when I was very young. I remember car trips to DC from Norfolk, VA with nothing by 'Mystic Voyage' playing the whole way....

[@mustafahajj]

Drummer is amazing. There is no way I can play like that without losing my cool. Simply amazing Drummer. Roy Ayers is legendary.

[@UFOSorceryEngineering]

If I say that I have Joy Tears, Roy Ayers is for me the Best Compositor, singer of the Funk, with also Gil-Scott Heron and Herbie Hancock. Such a Living Legend.

[@ES-ms9jw]

gotta get D'angelo behind the desk!

[@stevemacchris7411]

yes please

[@AQGOAT24]

That would be godly

[@Bishcona]

Panties would be dropping left and right See what I did there :)

[@ES-ms9jw]

Bishcona right after they take a bite of that Devil's pie ;)

[@Bishcona]

E S hahaha yessss!!

[@hizman2]

The moment Ayers' voice came on, I put down my homework and put in my second earbud.

[@rmnatchez7197]

Nolan Wright #Facts

[@nickmichael5494]

Roy Ayers still going strong at 78 years young!!!This is one of the best Tiny Desk shows And the Drummer looks like he could be Chris Brown's older brother.

[@russellrichardson5330]

Roy Ayers is a legend! Thanks NPR!

[@bgsound2721]

2:17 Get it Roy! He still got it! This was a real surprise...made my day.

[@jvibes7]

Met Roy Ayers in Chicago, 1979 I told him I Play Vibes and he just embraced me. One of the Best days of my life! Love you Roy 💘

[@konarkvinod2801]

You can see how the musicians are smiling. They probably grew up on this man’s music. Huge respect to everything you have done for music Mr. Ayers. And a huge shoutout to NPR for the Tiny Desk series. These are some of my favorite videos on this platform.

[@lolaquafleur]

Woah, this is wild. Man got it still after all this time.

[@freddiehubbard1460]

Chloë Briggs That he does

[@flexxxout]

Chloë Briggs you can't lose soul

[@christophermichaels6569]

Man he whammed the xylophone just like that at CFG too. Incredible. His music will be eternal.

[@cavaleer]

Roy is sooooo brilliant! Incredibly unique but always in that perfect pocket. Such a treasure.

[@FAAJR1]

Mr Roy Ayers, simply one of the best to ever pick up a mike. No one will ever duplicate him, only replicate him. PRICELESS

[@sipha1632]

🙌🏽all the way from South Africa with love🇿🇦 This is Gold ❤

[@jalebjaba1487]

Roy aged well. Still Smokin. Bless You 🙏🏽Those young guys are blessed to be grooving with an icon,you see it in they’re eyes