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

Ayres took the glassy, elongated tones of the vibraphone – the percussion instrument resembling a marimba or xylophone – and moved away from the uptempo jazz sound pioneered by Lionel Hampton.

The legendary vibraphonist released over 40 albums and collaborated with artists like Tyler the Creator, Erykah Badu, the Roots, Fela Kuti, Herbie Hancock, and Rick James ...

The fund was established after the auction of Norman Rockwell’s “Willie Gillis in the Convoy” painting, and supports athletic and academic programs.