The Legendary Jimmy Cliff, Reggae Legend and Cultural Figure, Dies at 81 Years of Age
The world mourns the passing of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born musician and performer whose distinctive vocal talent played a key role in popularizing the reggae genre worldwide. He has died at the age of eighty-one.
“With deep sorrow that I share 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 loved ones, close friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who shared his journey. To all his supporters 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 hit songs including You Can Get It If You Really Want, “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His upbeat musical style and uplifting temperament brought him a large and longstanding following.
In addition to his music accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972 drama film “The Harder They Come”, a performance that received critical praise and is considered a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
He is one of just a handful of musicians, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the esteemed Jamaican Order of Merit.
Additional details will be provided…