The Legendary Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Icon, Dies at 81 Years Old
Global audiences grieves the passing of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican reggae singer and actor whose distinctive vocal talent played a key role 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 crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” wrote his spouse Latifa on social media. “I am thankful for his loved ones, friends, peers in the arts and colleagues who shared his life’s path. To all his fans around the world, please know that your encouragement was his motivation during his entire professional life … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” The message was also signed by their offspring, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy Cliff was beloved 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.
Beyond his musical achievements, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a role that received critical praise and is viewed as a landmark of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff is among the select few of artists, including Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
