Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Superstar and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years Old
Global audiences grieves the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican-born musician and performer whose captivating voice played a key role in spreading reggae music worldwide. He has died 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 followed by pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa Chambers on Instagram. “I am grateful for his loved ones, friends, fellow artists and colleagues who shared his journey. To all his supporters globally, please know that your encouragement was his motivation during his whole career … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” The message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy Cliff gained fame for hit songs such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, I Can See Clearly Now and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His upbeat sound and uplifting temperament earned him a vast and longstanding following.
In addition to his musical achievements, Cliff starred in the 1972 drama film “The Harder They Come”, a role that received critical praise and is viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff was among the select few of artists, including the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be awarded the esteemed Jamaican Order of Merit.
More to follow…
