Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Superstar and Cultural Icon, Dies at Eighty-One Years of Age
The world grieves the passing of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and performer whose captivating voice played a key role in spreading the reggae genre across the globe. He has died at the age of eighty-one.
“It’s with profound sadness that I announce that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” wrote his spouse Latifa on Instagram. “I am thankful for his loved ones, friends, peers in the arts and colleagues who walked with him on his life’s path. To all his supporters around the world, please know that your encouragement was his strength during his entire professional life … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest peacefully. I will honor your wishes.” Her post was also signed by their offspring, their son and daughter.
Jimmy 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 optimistic musical style and uplifting temperament brought him a large and loyal fanbase.
In addition to his music accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that was highly acclaimed and is considered a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
He was 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…
