Charles Chambers was a key innovator in dance music, speeding up beats and adding raunchy lyrics, and inspiring Daft Punk and Justice

DJ Funk, the producer who coined the term “ghetto house” and was one of the Chicago scene’s key innovators, has died aged 54.

His death was confirmed by close friend and collaborator DJ Slugo, who announced the news via a post on Instagram.

Family announces on Facebook that the musician died in New York City after a long illness

Roy Ayers, the jazz-funk pioneer whose hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine has become a summer staple across the globe, has died aged 84.

A post on the musician’s official Facebook page said: “It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing which occurred on March 4th, 2025 in New York City after a long illness.