Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years of Age
The world mourns the passing of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican musician and performer whose captivating voice was instrumental in spreading the reggae genre across the globe. The artist has died at the age of 81.
“With deep sorrow that I announce that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure and subsequent pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa on social media. “I am grateful for his family, friends, peers in the arts and colleagues who walked with him on his life’s path. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his motivation during his entire professional life … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest in peace. I will honor your wishes.” The message was also 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 loyal following.
In addition to his musical achievements, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972’s crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that received critical praise and is considered a landmark of Jamaican cinema.
He is one of just a handful of artists, including the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the prestigious Jamaican Order of Merit.
More to follow…
