by: Christine Samra
Posted: Mar 6, 2025 / 11:05 AM CST
Updated: Mar 6, 2025 / 11:05 AM CST
(KTLA) — Los Angeles native Roy Ayers, who was behind the popular song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” has passed away. He was 84 years old.
The “Godfather of Neo Soul” passed away on Tuesday, March 4 in New York City following a “long illness,” his family said in a statement on Facebook on Wednesday.
“He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed,” the statement said. “His family asks that you respect their privacy at this time, a celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming.”
The vibraphonist, composer and record producer started his career as a post-bop jazz artist and released numerous albums with Atlantic Records. He then joined Polydor Records where he helped pioneer jazz-funk in the 1970s.
He’s also known for his hits like “Lifeline” and “No Stranger to Love.”
However, his legacy with “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” continues to live on with various rappers sampling the hit song like Common’s “Book of Life,” Mary J. Blige’s “My Life,” Naught By Nature’s “Sunshine,” 2Pac’s “Lost Souls,” and more.
Ayers is survived by his wife, Argerie, his three children and his granddaughter.
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