Roy Ayers Jazz Memorial

Photo by Brian Pace

On the evening of May 19, 2025, Saint Peter’s Church in Midtown Manhattan opened its doors to over 500 RSVPed guests and countless walk-ins from the music world and public alike, as we gathered to honor the life and legacy of Roy Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist and cultural icon.

Presented by the Arts and Architecture Conservancy, the memorial was more than a tribute—it was a deeply moving celebration of Ayers’ influence on jazz, soul, and the global music landscape. From the first warm chord to the final notes that lingered in the sanctuary, the night pulsed with the joy, groove, and spiritual depth that defined Roy’s music and his life.

The evening featured live performances by an extraordinary lineup of musicians, many of whom had worked with Roy or were profoundly shaped by his sound. The program offered a blend of reverent reflection and electric celebration. From arrangements Roy Haynes’ “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” to spontaneous improvisations, the music filled the sanctuary with joy, grief, and gratitude.

The audience was a cross-section of New York’s creative heart: musicians, producers, cultural leaders, longtime fans, and friends of Roy Ayers. Together, they turned the church into a living tribute—clapping, swaying, and occasionally wiping away tears as memories were shared both onstage and off.