Jimmy Cliff, Music Superstar and Cultural Icon, Dies at Eighty-One Years Old
The world grieves the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican-born musician and actor whose distinctive vocal talent was instrumental in popularizing reggae music worldwide. He has died at the age of 81.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a seizure and subsequent pneumonia,” posted his spouse Latifa on Instagram. “I am grateful for his loved ones, close friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who walked with him on his life’s path. To all his supporters around the world, please know that your encouragement was his strength throughout his entire professional life … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will honor your wishes.” Her post was co-signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy Cliff gained fame for hits 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 brought him a large and longstanding fanbase.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that received critical praise and is viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff was one of just a handful of musicians, alongside Bob Marley and other greats, to be awarded the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
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