( 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 March 4 in New York City following a “long illness,” his family said in a statement on Facebook on Wednesday.
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“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 70s…