Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Legend and Cultural Figure, Dies at 81 Years Old
Global audiences mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and performer whose captivating vocal talent played a key role in popularizing the reggae genre across the globe. The artist has died at the age of eighty-one.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a seizure and subsequent pneumonia,” posted his spouse Latifa Chambers on social media. “I am thankful for his family, close friends, peers in the arts and colleagues who walked with him on his life’s path. To all his supporters globally, please know that your support was his motivation throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will honor your wishes.” Her post was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy 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 upbeat sound and positive temperament earned him a large and longstanding following.
In addition to his music accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that received critical praise and is considered a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff is one of just a handful of artists, including the legendary Bob Marley and other greats, to be honored with the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
