Jimmy Cliff, Music Superstar and Cultural Icon, Dies at 81 Years of Age
Global audiences mourns the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican musician and performer whose distinctive vocal talent played a key role in popularizing the reggae genre across the globe. He passed away at the age of eighty-one.
“With deep sorrow that I announce that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a seizure and subsequent pneumonia,” wrote his spouse Latifa on social media. “I am grateful for his family, 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 motivation during his entire professional life … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” The message was co-signed by their offspring, their son and daughter.
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 upbeat musical style and uplifting spirit brought him a large and loyal following.
In addition to his musical achievements, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 drama film “The Harder They Come”, a role that received critical praise and is considered a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff is among the select few of artists, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
