The Legendary Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Icon, Dies at 81 Years of Age
Global audiences grieves the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican reggae singer and performer whose captivating vocal talent played a key role in popularizing the reggae genre worldwide. 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 social media. “I am thankful for his loved ones, close friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who shared his life’s path. To all his fans around the world, please know that your encouragement was his strength during his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest peacefully. I will honor your wishes.” Her post was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy Cliff was beloved 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 vast and longstanding following.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972’s crime drama “The Harder They Come”, a role that received critical praise and is viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff was among the select few of musicians, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and other greats, to be awarded the esteemed Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…