​Neo-soul legend behind ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ Roy Ayers has died aged 84

Neo-soul and jazz-funk legend Roy Ayers has died aged 84 after battling a long illness, a new statement from his family has confirmed.

“It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing,” a statement shared on his Facebook page reads.

Ayers passed away on Tuesday, March 4, in New York City after fighting a “long illness”, the post explains. “He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed”.

It continues: “His family ask that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”

Born in Los Angeles, California, Roy Ayers began a career in music as a post-bop jazz musician, later moving into jazz-funk. His early releases landed on labels including Atlantic and Polydor through the ‘70s.

Often referred to as the ‘Godfather of neo-soul’, Ayers produced more than 40 albums throughout his career, many of which alongside his band, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, a pioneering jazz-funk group.

While part of Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Ayers used a vibraphone, an instrument he became synonymous with as his sound developed from jazz-funk to acid jazz and neo-soul.

Ayers released innumerous hit tracks during his life, including ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’, ‘No Stranger To Love’, ‘Running Away’, and 'Liquid Love'.

His music was notably sampled by legions of rap artists such as Dr Dre, Mary J Blige, Kanye West, and Tyler, the Creator over the years, inspiring generations of musical talent.

“Roy's timeless music inspired generations of musicians, including several of our own Tommy Boy artists, who have sampled his songs,” Tommy Boy Records wrote in tribute earlier today.

Read some more tributes below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter