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.
Among his hits are Everybody Loves The Sunshine, Searching and Running Away, as well as collaborations with Fela Kuti.
Founded his own label [l=Uno Melodic Records] in 1980.
Father of Roy Ayers III and Nabil Ayers.