Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Legend and Cultural Icon, Dies at Eighty-One Years of Age
Global audiences mourns the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican musician and actor whose distinctive vocal talent was instrumental in popularizing reggae music across the globe. He has died at the age of 81.
“It’s with profound sadness that I announce that my 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 family, close friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who shared his life’s path. To all his supporters around the world, please know that your support was his strength during his entire professional life … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” The message was also signed by their offspring, their son and daughter.
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 upbeat musical style and uplifting spirit brought him a large and loyal following.
In addition to his music accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama “The Harder They Come”, a role that was highly acclaimed and is considered a landmark of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff is among the select few of musicians, including Bob Marley and others, to be awarded the esteemed Jamaican Order of Merit.
Additional details will be provided…
