The Legendary Jimmy Cliff, Music Superstar and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years Old
The world grieves the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born musician and performer whose distinctive vocal talent played a key role in popularizing reggae music worldwide. The artist passed away at the age of eighty-one.
“It’s with profound sadness that I announce that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure episode and subsequent pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa on social media. “I am grateful for his family, close 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 support was his motivation throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” The message was co-signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy 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 musical style and positive temperament earned him a large and loyal following.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a performance that was highly acclaimed and is viewed as a landmark of film in Jamaica.
He was one of just a handful of musicians, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and other greats, to be awarded the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
