Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Music Superstar and Cultural Figure, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years of Age
The world grieves the passing of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican musician and actor whose captivating voice was instrumental in popularizing reggae music across the globe. The artist has died 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 followed by pneumonia,” posted 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 journey. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his motivation throughout his entire professional life … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” Her post was co-signed by their offspring, their son and daughter.
Cliff was beloved for hit songs including You Can Get It If You Really Want, “I Can See Clearly Now” and Wonderful World, Beautiful People. His optimistic sound and uplifting spirit brought him a vast and longstanding following.
Beyond his music accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 drama film The Harder They Come, a role that was highly acclaimed and is considered a cornerstone of film in Jamaica.
He was among the select few of musicians, alongside Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
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