Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff, Music Legend and Cultural Figure, Passes Away at Eighty-One Years of Age
Global audiences grieves the passing of Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican musician and performer whose captivating vocal talent was instrumental in spreading reggae music across the globe. The artist has died at the age of eighty-one.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure episode followed by pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa on social media. “I am grateful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who shared his life’s path. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his entire professional life … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest peacefully. I will honor your wishes.” The message was co-signed by their children, 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 brought him a vast and longstanding following.
Beyond his music accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972 drama film “The Harder They Come”, a performance that received critical praise and is viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff was among the select few of musicians, including Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the prestigious Jamaican Order of Merit.
More to follow…
