Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Music Superstar and Cultural Figure, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years of Age
Global audiences grieves the passing of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican-born reggae singer and performer whose distinctive vocal talent was instrumental in popularizing reggae music across the globe. The artist passed away at the age of eighty-one.
“With deep sorrow that I announce that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure episode and subsequent pneumonia,” wrote his spouse Latifa Chambers on Instagram. “I am grateful for his loved ones, close friends, fellow artists and colleagues who shared his journey. To all his supporters around the world, please know that your encouragement was his strength 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 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 positive temperament earned him a vast and longstanding fanbase.
In addition to his musical achievements, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama “The Harder They Come”, a role that was highly acclaimed and is viewed as a landmark of film in Jamaica.
He was among the select few of artists, alongside Bob Marley and other greats, to be honored with the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.
More to follow…
