Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Icon, Dies at 81 Years of Age
Global audiences grieves the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican reggae singer and actor whose captivating voice was instrumental in spreading the reggae genre across the globe. The artist has died at the age of 81.
“With deep sorrow that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” wrote his spouse Latifa Chambers on Instagram. “I am grateful for his loved ones, close friends, peers in the arts and colleagues who shared his journey. To all his fans globally, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will honor your wishes.” The message was co-signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Cliff gained fame for hit songs including “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, I Can See Clearly Now and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His upbeat sound and uplifting spirit earned him a large and longstanding fanbase.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972 crime drama “The Harder They Come”, a performance that was highly acclaimed and is viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff is one of just a handful of artists, alongside Bob Marley and other greats, to be awarded the esteemed Jamaican Order of Merit.
More to follow…
