Roy Ayers (born September 10, 1940) is an American funk, soul, and jazz composer and vibraphone player. Ayers began his career as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped pioneer jazz-funk. He is a key figure in the acid jazz movement, which is a mixture of jazz into hip-hop and funk, and has been dubbed by many as "The Godfather of Neo Soul". He is most well known for his signature compositions "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" and "Searchin". and is also famous for having more sampled hits by rappers than any other artist.
Biography
Early life
Ayers was born in Los Angeles, and grew up in a musical family, where his father played trombone and his mother played piano. At the age of five, he was given his first pair of vibraphone mallets by Lionel Hampton. The area of Los Angeles that Ayers grew up in, now known as "South Central" but then known as "South Park", was the epicenter of the Southern CaliforniaBlack music scene. The schools he attended (Wadsworth Elementary, Nevins Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School) were all close to the famed Central Avenue, Los Angeles' equivalent of Harlem's Lenox Avenue and Chicago's State Street. Roy would likely have been exposed to music as it not only emanated from the many nightclubs and bars in the area, but also poured out of many of the homes where the musicians who kept the scene alive lived in and around Central. During high school, Ayers sang in the church choir and fronted a band named The Latin Lyrics, in which he played steel guitar and piano. His high school, Thomas Jefferson High School, produced some of the most talented new musicians, such as Dexter Gordon.
The term ivory tower originates in the Biblical Song of Solomon(7:4) and was later used as an epithet for Mary. From the 19th century, it has been used to designate an environment of intellectual pursuit disconnected from the practical concerns of everyday life. In American English usage it is also used as shorthand for academia or the university, particularly departments of the humanities and the social sciences.
Religious usage
In the Judeo/Christian tradition, the term ivory tower is used as a symbol for noble purity. It originates with the Song of Solomon (7:4) ("Your neck is like an ivory tower"; in the Hebrew Masoretic text, it is found in 7:5) and was included in the epithets for Mary in the sixteenth century Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary ("tower of ivory", turris eburnea in Latin), though the title and image was in use long before that, since the 12th century Marian revival at least. It occasionally appears in art, especially in depictions of Mary in the hortus conclusus. Although the term is rarely used in the religious sense in modern times, it is credited with inspiring the modern meaning.
Ivory Tower is a 2014 American documentary film written, directed and produced by Andrew Rossi. The film premiered in competition category of U.S. Documentary Competition program at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2014.
After its premiere at Sundance Film Festival, Participant Media, Paramount Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films acquired distribution rights of the film. The film had a theatrical release on 13 June 2014 in United States by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Paramount Pictures will handle the international release of the film, while Participant Media will handle the campaign for film's theatrical release. The film was first broadcast on CNN on November 20, 2014.
Synopsis
The film questions the value of higher education in an era when the price of college has increased more than any other service in the United States. It explores the different types of higher education around the nation. These include: community colleges, four year universities, vocational schools, online courses, and less traditional forms of education. The film argues that the high cost of tuition is at a breaking point.
"Ivory Tower" is a popularsong written by Jack Fulton and Lois Steele. Popular versions by Cathy Carr and Gale Storm, and a rhythm & blues version by Otis Williams all received major popularity in 1956. Carr's version reached #2 and Storm's #6 on the Billboard pop charts, while Williams' version reached #11 on Billboard's R&B chart.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Ivory Tower (Live) · Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers: Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
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published: 02 Jan 2015
Roy Ayers - E Funk
from "King Of The Vibes" (2011), AFI-CD Records.
Roy Ayers - Vibes, KAT, Vocals & Synth Piano ;
John Pressley - Vocals & Percussion ;
Wumni Olaiya - Vocals ;
Bill Saxton - Tenor Sax ;
Ray Gaskins - Alto Sax ;
Mark Adams - Piano ;
Donald Nicks - Bass ;
Bongo Bruno - Conga ;
Dennis Davis - Drums ;
Miles Dalto - Electric Piano & Synth Bass.
Written by Roy Ayers.
Recorded and mixed in New York City.
published: 29 Sep 2013
Spirit of the Do-Do (Live)
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Spirit of the Do-Do (Live) · Roy Ayers
Mystic Voyage: Live Recordings
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 06 Oct 2015
The Mission (Live)
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The Mission (Live) · Roy Ayers
Running Away (Live)
℗ 2013 One Media iP Ltd
Released on: 2013-12-08
Music Publisher: COPYRIGHT CONTROL
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 09 Mar 2015
Lots Of Love (Live)
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Lots Of Love (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 24 Feb 2015
Love Will Bring Us Back Together (Live)
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Love Will Bring Us Back Together (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Ivory Tower (Live) · Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers: Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publ...
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Ivory Tower (Live) · Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers: Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Ivory Tower (Live) · Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers: Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
from "King Of The Vibes" (2011), AFI-CD Records.
Roy Ayers - Vibes, KAT, Vocals & Synth Piano ;
John Pressley - Vocals & Percussion ;
Wumni Olaiya - Vocals ;...
from "King Of The Vibes" (2011), AFI-CD Records.
Roy Ayers - Vibes, KAT, Vocals & Synth Piano ;
John Pressley - Vocals & Percussion ;
Wumni Olaiya - Vocals ;
Bill Saxton - Tenor Sax ;
Ray Gaskins - Alto Sax ;
Mark Adams - Piano ;
Donald Nicks - Bass ;
Bongo Bruno - Conga ;
Dennis Davis - Drums ;
Miles Dalto - Electric Piano & Synth Bass.
Written by Roy Ayers.
Recorded and mixed in New York City.
from "King Of The Vibes" (2011), AFI-CD Records.
Roy Ayers - Vibes, KAT, Vocals & Synth Piano ;
John Pressley - Vocals & Percussion ;
Wumni Olaiya - Vocals ;
Bill Saxton - Tenor Sax ;
Ray Gaskins - Alto Sax ;
Mark Adams - Piano ;
Donald Nicks - Bass ;
Bongo Bruno - Conga ;
Dennis Davis - Drums ;
Miles Dalto - Electric Piano & Synth Bass.
Written by Roy Ayers.
Recorded and mixed in New York City.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Spirit of the Do-Do (Live) · Roy Ayers
Mystic Voyage: Live Recordings
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on...
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Spirit of the Do-Do (Live) · Roy Ayers
Mystic Voyage: Live Recordings
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Spirit of the Do-Do (Live) · Roy Ayers
Mystic Voyage: Live Recordings
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
The Mission (Live) · Roy Ayers
Running Away (Live)
℗ 2013 One Media iP Ltd
Released on: 2013-12-08
Music Pub...
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
The Mission (Live) · Roy Ayers
Running Away (Live)
℗ 2013 One Media iP Ltd
Released on: 2013-12-08
Music Publisher: COPYRIGHT CONTROL
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
The Mission (Live) · Roy Ayers
Running Away (Live)
℗ 2013 One Media iP Ltd
Released on: 2013-12-08
Music Publisher: COPYRIGHT CONTROL
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Lots Of Love (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY...
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Lots Of Love (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Lots Of Love (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Love Will Bring Us Back Together (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
...
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Love Will Bring Us Back Together (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Love Will Bring Us Back Together (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Ivory Tower (Live) · Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers: Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
from "King Of The Vibes" (2011), AFI-CD Records.
Roy Ayers - Vibes, KAT, Vocals & Synth Piano ;
John Pressley - Vocals & Percussion ;
Wumni Olaiya - Vocals ;
Bill Saxton - Tenor Sax ;
Ray Gaskins - Alto Sax ;
Mark Adams - Piano ;
Donald Nicks - Bass ;
Bongo Bruno - Conga ;
Dennis Davis - Drums ;
Miles Dalto - Electric Piano & Synth Bass.
Written by Roy Ayers.
Recorded and mixed in New York City.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Spirit of the Do-Do (Live) · Roy Ayers
Mystic Voyage: Live Recordings
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-12-09
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
The Mission (Live) · Roy Ayers
Running Away (Live)
℗ 2013 One Media iP Ltd
Released on: 2013-12-08
Music Publisher: COPYRIGHT CONTROL
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Lots Of Love (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Love Will Bring Us Back Together (Live) · Roy Ayers
Hot
℗ 2011 One Media Publishing
Released on: 2011-07-03
Music Publisher: ROY AYERS UBIQUITY INC
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Roy Ayers (born September 10, 1940) is an American funk, soul, and jazz composer and vibraphone player. Ayers began his career as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped pioneer jazz-funk. He is a key figure in the acid jazz movement, which is a mixture of jazz into hip-hop and funk, and has been dubbed by many as "The Godfather of Neo Soul". He is most well known for his signature compositions "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" and "Searchin". and is also famous for having more sampled hits by rappers than any other artist.
Biography
Early life
Ayers was born in Los Angeles, and grew up in a musical family, where his father played trombone and his mother played piano. At the age of five, he was given his first pair of vibraphone mallets by Lionel Hampton. The area of Los Angeles that Ayers grew up in, now known as "South Central" but then known as "South Park", was the epicenter of the Southern CaliforniaBlack music scene. The schools he attended (Wadsworth Elementary, Nevins Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School) were all close to the famed Central Avenue, Los Angeles' equivalent of Harlem's Lenox Avenue and Chicago's State Street. Roy would likely have been exposed to music as it not only emanated from the many nightclubs and bars in the area, but also poured out of many of the homes where the musicians who kept the scene alive lived in and around Central. During high school, Ayers sang in the church choir and fronted a band named The Latin Lyrics, in which he played steel guitar and piano. His high school, Thomas Jefferson High School, produced some of the most talented new musicians, such as Dexter Gordon.
Coming with the realness lyrics of life Some people need to watch what they say Watch what you're saying Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said Soon you'll be paying in the dead of night They'll be nowhere to run while you were laying Laying for the doom that's coming to a head, no kind of praying Is gonna save us from the past that will surely come Warning, rappers be like boring they're sleeping It's deep man, so peep in closely when I'm speaking Weaklings, it's obvious you can't like up to Your petty pointless words, yet and still you love to Run off your jibs, now there come a time for judgment Punishment, what if we take away your ornaments And strip you down to the raw deal then I'd reveal the evidence 'Cause you don't really represent Watch what you're saying Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said Soon you'll be paying in the dead of night They'll be nowhere to run while you were laying Laying for the doom that's coming to a head, no kind of praying Is gonna save us from the past that will surely come Listen here, I'm getting tired of you shooting lip You better tighten up or you will really slip up And say something that you mean to do Turn around and it'll be on you To save yourself from your call and blunder And bury your [unverified] like the world it's under And like a fool you'll sit and wonder What, who do you wanna know? Wish no water No magic spell can save you from your self made hell You've made your bed and you know darn well You got a lay it in the [unverified] and there's no magic potion To save you from the wheels you've set in motion The stone is cut, the die is cast, what were you thinking? Watch what you're saying Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said Soon you'll be paying in the dead of night They'll be nowhere to run while you were laying Laying for the doom that's coming to a head, no kind of praying Is gonna save us from the past that will surely come I can't understand it, they should ban it, can it? Too much weak talk and not enough real hip-hop I sense a purpose is filling me to display credibility And show responsibility, willingly I'll take on any Johnny Dangerous Pull his file, for he knows, he cannot hang with this The illest king, I smack the jokers No hocus pocus, a real MC when I kick vocals Watch what you're saying Someone's gonna hear exactly what you said Soon you'll be paying in the dead of night They'll be nowhere to run while you were laying Laying for the doom that's coming to a head, no kind of praying