Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Legend and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at 81 Years Old
Global audiences mourns the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born musician and actor whose captivating vocal talent played a key role in spreading the reggae genre across the globe. He passed away at the age of eighty-one.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a seizure episode followed by pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa on Instagram. “I am thankful for his loved ones, friends, peers in the arts and colleagues who shared his journey. To all his fans around the world, please know that your encouragement was his motivation during his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” Her post was also signed by their children, 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 optimistic musical style and positive temperament earned him a large and loyal following.
Beyond his music achievements, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 drama film The Harder They Come, a performance that received critical praise and is viewed as a landmark of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff is one of just a handful of musicians, including the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be awarded the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
