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.

The recordings of vibraphonist Roy Ayers are part of the foundation of contemporary R&B and hip-hop; Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige and many others have sampled his work.

Roy Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist, record producer and composer behind hits like "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" and "No Stranger to Love," has died. He was 84. Ayers, nicknamed the "Godfather of Neo Soul," died on Tuesday, March 4 in New York City after a long illness, according to a statement published on his official Facebook account.