Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Superstar and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at 81 Years Old
Global audiences grieves the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and performer whose distinctive voice was instrumental in spreading the reggae genre worldwide. He passed away at the age of eighty-one.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure episode followed by pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa Chambers on social media. “I am grateful for his loved ones, friends, fellow artists and colleagues who shared his life’s path. To all his fans globally, please know that your support was his motivation during his whole career … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” The message was co-signed by their children, their son and daughter.
Jimmy Cliff was beloved for hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want, I Can See Clearly Now and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His optimistic sound and positive temperament brought him a vast and longstanding fanbase.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 drama film The Harder They Come, a role that received critical praise and is viewed as a landmark of film in Jamaica.
He is one of just a handful of artists, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
