The Legendary Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at 81 Years of Age
Global audiences grieves the passing of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and actor whose distinctive voice played a key role in spreading reggae music worldwide. He 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 episode and subsequent pneumonia,” wrote his spouse Latifa Chambers on social media. “I am thankful for his family, friends, peers in the arts and colleagues who walked with him on his journey. To all his fans globally, please know that your encouragement was his motivation during his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” Her post was co-signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy Cliff was beloved for hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want, “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His upbeat sound and uplifting temperament earned him a vast and longstanding fanbase.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that was highly acclaimed and is considered a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff was one of just a handful of artists, including Bob Marley and others, to be awarded the esteemed Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
