Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Legend and Cultural Figure, Dies at Eighty-One Years Old
Global audiences mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican musician and performer whose captivating voice played a key role in spreading the reggae genre worldwide. The artist passed away at the age of 81.
“It’s with profound sadness that I announce that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a seizure episode and subsequent pneumonia,” wrote his spouse Latifa Chambers on social media. “I am grateful for his loved ones, close friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who walked with him on his life’s path. To all his supporters globally, please know that your encouragement was his motivation throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest peacefully. I will honor your wishes.” The message was co-signed by their offspring, Lilty and Aken.
Cliff was beloved for hits such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, I Can See Clearly Now and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His optimistic sound and uplifting temperament brought him a large and loyal following.
In addition to his musical achievements, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama “The Harder They Come”, a role that received critical praise and is viewed as a landmark of film in Jamaica.
He is among the select few of musicians, including Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the esteemed Order of Merit from Jamaica.
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