Starbooty (Hol)

"Starbooty" is a 1978 album produced by Roy Ayers and performed by his backing band, Ubiquity. Notably, this is the sole album where Ubiquity performs without Ayers' direct participation as a musician or vocalist. The album blends jazz-funk and disco styles, showcasing the band's versatility. The album features very skillful musicians, including bassist Kerry Turman, drummer Ricky Lawson, guitarist Greg Moore, and vocalists Sylvia Cox and Justo Almario. Roy Ayers, born in Los Angeles, was an influential vibraphonist and composer known for pioneering jazz-funk and neo-soul genres. His 1976 composition "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" became iconic, inspiring movements like nu-soul and acid-jazz, and was widely sampled by artists like Tupac Shakur and Mary J. Blige. Ayers collaborated with numerous artists, including Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys, and continued to perform actively throughout his career. Roy Ayers passed away recently in March 2025, at the age of 84.