Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years of Age
The world grieves the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican reggae singer and actor whose distinctive vocal talent played a key role in spreading reggae music worldwide. The artist passed away 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 spouse Latifa on Instagram. “I am grateful for his family, friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who walked with him on his journey. To all his supporters around the world, please know that your encouragement was his strength during his whole career … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest in peace. I will honor your wishes.” The message was also signed by their offspring, Lilty and Aken.
Cliff was beloved for hit songs 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 positive temperament earned him a vast and longstanding following.
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 considered a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff was one of just a handful of artists, alongside Bob Marley and other greats, to be awarded the prestigious Jamaican Order of Merit.
More to follow…
