Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Figure, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years Old
The world grieves the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and performer whose captivating voice was instrumental in spreading the reggae genre across the globe. He has died at the age of 81.
“With deep sorrow that I announce that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure episode and subsequent pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa Chambers on social media. “I am grateful for his loved ones, close friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who shared his life’s path. To all his fans globally, please know that your encouragement was his motivation throughout his entire professional life … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” The message was also signed by their offspring, their son and daughter.
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 musical style and uplifting temperament brought him a large and longstanding fanbase.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that received critical praise and is viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff was one of just a handful of musicians, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be awarded the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
