Roy Ayers, the jazz and R&B musician known as the "godfather of neo-soul" music, has died following a "long illness." He was 84. The news was shared Wednesday night to Ayers' social media accounts,

The legendary American vibraphonist, composer and pioneer of jazz-funk died Tuesday, his family said. He was 84.

Roy Ayers, the “king of neo-soul” and artist behind “Everybody Loves Sunshine,” has died. His family confirmed his death after suffering a “long illness” on social media. He was 84 years old. The family described Ayers to Variety as a “highly influential and sought after as a music collaborator.