Roy Ayers, Jazz-Funk Musician Behind ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine,’ Dies at 84

The jazz vibraphonist died on March 4 in New York City after battling a long illness.

Roy Ayers performs during Arroyo Seco Weekend at the Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena, Calif., on June 24, 2017. Rich Fury/Getty Images for Arroyo Seco Weekend

Roy Ayers Jr., a pioneering jazz-funk artist widely hailed as the “Godfather of Neo Soul,” has died at the age of 84.

Ayers passed away on March 4 in New York City after battling a long illness, his family confirmed on Wednesday via the musician’s official Facebook page.