Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Superstar and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at 81 Years of Age
The world grieves the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican-born reggae singer and actor whose captivating voice played a key role in spreading the reggae genre across the globe. He has died at the age of eighty-one.
“With deep sorrow that I announce that my beloved 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, close friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who shared his journey. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his entire professional life … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” Her post was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
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 upbeat sound and positive spirit earned him a vast and longstanding following.
In addition to his music accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 drama film The Harder They Come, a performance that received critical praise and is considered a cornerstone of film in Jamaica.
He is one of just a handful of artists, alongside Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the prestigious Jamaican Order of Merit.
More to follow…
