Roy Ayers was born in Los Angeles. Thanks to his trombone playing father and piano teaching mother, he became immersed in music from day one and the story goes that he was given his first set of vibe mallets by his hero Lionel Hampton at the age of 5. Constantly performing and recording since the 1960s, he is one of the most famous jazz vibraphonists. He has produced some of the most loved modern soul-jazz records of all time such as, "Everybody Loves The Sunshine", most influential afro-jazz with musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (Africa - Centre Of The World) and the most seminal jazz-funk, such as "Running Away". And that's just the surface. 2004 saw the release of "Virgin Ubiquity: Unreleased Recordings 1976-1981" which were 'lost' sessions tapes that he had discarded. Gilles Peterson described this as the equivalent of finding a lost Beatles album. No doubt this helped him win the Gilles Peterson 2004 Worldwide Lifetime Achievement Award. Roy Ayers is ageless and evergreen and as per the title of another one of hits, remember "We All Live In Brooklyn Baby".
Timeline
Ayers started recording as a bebop sideman in 1962 and rose to prominence when he dropped out of City College and joined jazz flutist Herbie Mann in 1966.
In the early 70's, Roy Ayers started his own band called Roy Ayers Ubiquity, a name he chose because ubiquity means a state of being everywhere at the same time.
Ayers was responsible for the highly regarded soundtrack to Jack Hill's 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy, which starred Pam Grier. He later moved from a jazz-funk sound to R&B, as seen on Mystic Voyage, which featured the songs "Evolution" and the underground disco hit "Brother Green (The Disco King)", as well as the title track from his 1976 album Everybody Loves the Sunshine.
In 1977, Ayers produced an album by the group RAMP, Come into Knowledge, commonly and mistakenly thought to stand for "Roy Ayers Music Project". That fall, he had his biggest hit with "Running Away".
In late 1979, Ayers scored his only top ten single on Billboard's Hot Disco/Dance chart with "Don't Stop The Feeling," which was also the leadoff single from his 1980 album "No Stranger to Love", whose title track was sampled in Jill Scott's 2001 song "Watching Me" from her debut album Who Is Jill Scott?
In the late 70's, Ayers toured in Nigeria for six weeks with Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, one of the Africa's most recognizable musicians. In 1980, Phonodisk released Music of Many Colors in Nigeria, featuring one side lead by Ayers' group and the other lead by Africa '70.
In 1981, Ayers produced an album with the singer Sylvia Striplin, Give Me Your Love (Uno Melodic Records, 1981). He has also worked in collaborations with soul songstress Erykah Badu.
Ayers performed a solo on John "Jellybean" Benitez's production of Whitney Houston's "Love Will Save The Day" from her second multi-platinum studio album Whitney. The single was released in July 1988 by Arista Records.
Ayers has played his live act for millions of people across the globe, including Japan, Australia, England and other parts of Europe.
Ayers is known for helping to popularize feel good music in the 70's, stating that "I like that happy feeling all of the time, so that ingredient is still there. I try to generate that because it's the natural way I am". The types of music that he used to do this consisted of funk, salsa, jazz, rock, soul and rap.
1990s to present
In 1992, Ayers released two albums, Drive and Wake Up, for the hip-hop label Ichiban Records.
In 1992, Ayers collaborated with Rick James for an album and is quoted to have been a very close friend of his.
In 1993, Ayers appeared on the record Guru's Jazzmatazz Vol.1 featuring on the vibraphone in the song "Take a Look (At Yourself)".
In 1994, Ayers appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation album Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool. The album, meant to raise awareness and funds in support of the AIDS epidemic in relation to the African-American community, was heralded as "Album of the Year" by Time Magazine.
During the 2000s and 2010s, Ayers ventured into house music, collaborating with such stalwarts of the genre as Masters at Work and Kerri Chandler.
Ayers started two record labels, Uno Melodic and Gold Mink Records. The first released several LPs, including Sylvia Striplin's, while the second folded after a few singles.
In 2004, Ayers put out a collection of unreleased recordings called Virgin Ubiquity: Unreleased recordings 1976–1981 which allowed fans to hear cuts that didn't make it onto the classic Polydor albums from his more popular years.
Roy Ayers hosts the fictitious radio station "Fusion FM" in Grand Theft Auto IV (2008).
In 2015, he appeared on Tyler, The Creator's new album Cherry Bomb on the track "Find Your Wings".
A documentary the Roy Ayers Project featuring Ayers and a number hip hop producers who have sampled his music and other people who have been influenced by him and his music has been in development for a number of years.
Pharrell Williams cites Roy Ayers as one of his key musical heroes.
Ayers is a recipient of the Congress of Racial Equality Lifetime Achievement Award.
http://www.royayers.com
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Searching
Roy Ayers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you hear what I hear
Can you see what I see
Everybody's crying out
And yet we have no unity
My friends always ask me
Mary? tell me why do you weep
'Cause I'm trying to get over
All the negativity
That's why I'm searching
Searching searching
We are living in a world
Of "who has what?" and "who is who?"
But I'm telling you my friend
The answer's right in front of you
We are searching for a peace
Piece of mind is what we need
We are searching for the love
That comes with the unity
Oh ooh oh (oh)
Oh ooh oh (everyday)
Oh ooh oh (it rains)
Oh ooh oh (can you stand the pain?)
Oh ooh oh (why do we live the way we choose to live?)
Oh ooh oh
Oh (I'm telling you my brother right now that we got to be)
Searching searching
Oh ooh oh (oh)
Oh ooh oh (why are we still searching)
Oh ooh oh (when the answer's right in front of you)
Oh
Oh ooh oh (I'm telling you)
Oh ooh oh
Oh ooh oh (you better look straight a head of your path)
Oh (because the love is always there)
Searching searching
I don't wanna fuss n' fight
I just wanna make it right
What can we do to be strong
If we try to get along
I'm not trying to preach to you
But I am still searching too, yeah
Me and you can do it, oh
I don't ever wanna be stressed out
I just wanna live my life
The way I feel that I should be
'Cause I wanna be happy, happy
What about you and me
Searching searching
The lyrics of the song Searching by Roy Ayers is a quest for peace, love, and unity in a world plagued with negativity, where people focus on material possessions and status, rather than personal contentment. The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of searching for these intangible things that bring happiness and communal harmony. The song encourages listeners, including the artist himself, to do something about it, to seek change, and to work towards a better and more positive future. The lyricist points out that the answer is right in front of us, and if we can come together, we can create a society with less conflict and more joy.
The emotions evoked in the song, coupled with its groovy and soulful melody have made it an instant classic since its release in 1976. Searching has been covered by several artists, sampled extensively, and featured in popular films, including the Quentin Tarantino film, Kill Bill.
Line by Line Meaning
Searching searching
Repetition of the title, emphasizing the importance of the theme of searching for peace and unity in a world filled with negativity and stress.
Do you hear what I hear
Asking if the listener is paying attention to the cries for unity and peace in the midst of chaos and injustice.
Can you see what I see
Asking if the listener is aware of the problems and challenges faced by society and is searching for solutions.
Everybody's crying out
Highlighting the fact that many people are voicing their concerns and seeking change, yet unity remains elusive.
And yet we have no unity
Despite the calls for unity and peace, society remains divided, and there is a lack of cooperation and understanding among people.
My friends always ask me
Referring to the singer's friends who are curious to know why the singer is upset.
Mary? tell me why do you weep
A direct appeal to the singer, asking why she is feeling sad and distressed.
'Cause I'm trying to get over
Explaining why the artist is upset, because she is trying to overcome the negativity and obstacles in life and find peace and happiness.
All the negativity
Referring to the negative influences and problems in society that prevent people from achieving peace and unity.
That's why I'm searching
Reiterating the theme of the song, that the artist is looking for solutions and answers to the problems of society and personal struggles.
We are living in a world
Describing the current state of the world, where material possessions and a person's identity matter more than unity and cooperation.
Of "who has what?" and "who is who?"
Referring to the materialistic and superficial nature of society, where people are judged based on their possessions and status rather than their inner qualities.
But I'm telling you my friend
A personal statement from the singer, trying to persuade the listener to see the importance of finding peace and unity.
The answer's right in front of you
Urging the listener to look within themselves and recognize that the solutions to society's problems and personal struggles are within reach.
We are searching for a peace
Explaining what people are looking for, which is a sense of inner peace and contentment despite the problems in society.
Piece of mind is what we need
Referring to the importance of having a peaceful and calm mind, which is essential for achieving happiness and unity.
We are searching for the love
Highlighting the role of love and compassion in bringing people together and overcoming the challenges of society.
That comes with the unity
Explaining that true love and compassion can only be achieved when people are united and working together for a common goal.
Oh ooh oh (oh)
A melodic interlude, creating a bridge between the verses and the chorus.
Oh ooh oh (everyday)
Adding an emotional touch to the song, emphasizing that the need for peace and unity is a daily struggle and not a one-time event.
Oh ooh oh (it rains)
Metaphorically referring to the challenges and problems in life, which can be overcome with the help of unity and compassion.
Oh ooh oh (can you stand the pain?)
Asking the listener if they are willing to endure the hardships and challenges of life, and work towards achieving peace and unity.
Oh ooh oh (why do we live the way we choose to live?)
Questioning the choices and decisions made by society and individuals, which have resulted in a world filled with chaos and injustice.
Oh ooh oh
A melodic break, creating a transition towards the next verse.
Oh (I'm telling you my brother right now that we got to be)
Addressing the listener as a brother, and urging them to recognize the importance of unity and work towards achieving it.
Oh ooh oh (why are we still searching)
Reiterating the theme of the song, that despite the many efforts, unity and peace remains elusive.
Oh ooh oh (when the answer's right in front of you)
Encouraging the listener to keep searching and to realize that the answers to their problems are within reach.
Oh
A brief break, creating a pause before the next verse.
Oh ooh oh (I'm telling you)
A personal appeal, urging the listener to heed the message of the song and work towards achieving unity and peace.
Oh ooh oh
Melodic bridge, preparing the listener for the conclusion of the song.
Oh ooh oh (you better look straight a head of your path)
Encouraging the listener to stay focused and committed to their goals, and not to be deterred by the challenges ahead.
Oh (because the love is always there)
Closing on a positive note, assuring the listener that despite the challenges, love and unity are always present and achievable.
I don't wanna fuss n' fight
Expressing the desire to avoid conflict and argument.
I just wanna make it right
Wishing to achieve a sense of peace and contentment, without having to compromise or argue.
What can we do to be strong
Asking the question, what steps can be taken to achieve inner strength and resilience?
If we try to get along
Recognizing that cooperation and unity are essential for achieving peace and overcoming the challenges of life.
I'm not trying to preach to you
Clarifying that the singer is not trying to impose her beliefs on the listener, but is merely sharing her thoughts and feelings.
But I am still searching too, yeah
Acknowledging that the singer is also searching and struggling to find answers to the problems of life and society.
Me and you can do it, oh
Affirming that unity and peace can be achieved if people work together and cooperate.
I don't ever wanna be stressed out
Expressing the desire to live a life free from stress and tension.
I just wanna live my life
Desiring to live life according to one's own values and principles, without any external pressures or expectations.
The way I feel that I should be
Asserting one's right to live life according to one's own wishes and desires, and not be dictated by others.
'Cause I wanna be happy, happy
Expressing the desire to achieve inner happiness and contentment, a state of mind that can only be achieved through peace and unity.
What about you and me
Challenging the listener to join hands and work together to achieve peace and unity in society and within themselves.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARY J. BLIGE, ROY AYERS, FRED III JERKINS, RODNEY JERKINS, XENIS DA COSTA, LA TONYA BLIGE DA COSTA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tracey Lin Miller
on Swirl
This is not Swirl, Swirl is on the Roy Ayers' Naste' LP