The Legendary Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years of Age
Global audiences mourns the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and performer whose captivating voice played a key role in popularizing the reggae genre across the globe. He passed away at the age of 81.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away 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 walked with him on his journey. To all his supporters around the world, 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.” Her post was also signed by their offspring, their son and daughter.
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 vast and longstanding following.
Beyond his music achievements, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that was highly acclaimed and is considered a cornerstone of film in Jamaica.
He is among the select few of musicians, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be awarded the esteemed Jamaican Order of Merit.
More to follow…
