The Legendary Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Superstar and Cultural Figure, Passes Away at 81 Years Old
Global audiences mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and performer whose distinctive vocal talent played a key role in popularizing reggae music worldwide. The artist has died at the age of eighty-one.
“With deep sorrow that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a seizure episode and subsequent pneumonia,” posted his wife Latifa on social media. “I am grateful for his loved ones, close friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who shared his life’s path. To all his fans globally, please know that your encouragement was his motivation throughout his entire professional life … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest peacefully. 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 positive spirit earned him a large and longstanding following.
In addition to his musical achievements, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama “The Harder They Come”, a role that was highly acclaimed and is considered a cornerstone of film in Jamaica.
Jimmy Cliff is one of just a handful of artists, alongside Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the esteemed Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
