Jimmy Cliff, Music Superstar and Cultural Figure, Dies at 81 Years of Age
Global audiences mourns the passing of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and actor whose distinctive voice was instrumental in popularizing the reggae genre worldwide. He passed away at the age of 81.
“It’s with profound sadness that I announce that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” posted his wife Latifa on Instagram. “I am grateful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who walked with him on 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 follow your wishes.” Her post was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy 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 following.
In addition to his music accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that received critical praise and is viewed as a landmark of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff was one of just a handful of musicians, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the prestigious Jamaican Order of Merit.
More to follow…
