Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Superstar and Cultural Icon, Dies at 81 Years Old

The world mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born musician and actor whose captivating voice played a key role in spreading the reggae genre worldwide. He passed away at the age of eighty-one.

“With deep sorrow that I share that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a seizure and subsequent pneumonia,” posted his wife Latifa Chambers on Instagram. “I am grateful for his loved ones, friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who shared his journey. To all his fans globally, please know that your support was his strength throughout his entire professional life … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” Her post was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Cliff gained fame for hits such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, I Can See Clearly Now and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His optimistic musical style and uplifting temperament earned him a large and longstanding following.

Beyond his music achievements, Cliff starred in the 1972 drama film “The Harder They Come”, a performance that was highly acclaimed and is viewed as a landmark of film in Jamaica.

He is one of just a handful of musicians, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be awarded the esteemed Jamaican Order of Merit.

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