Jamaican reggae icon Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81, his family announced on Monday via his official Instagram account.
In an emotional statement, his wife, Latifa Chambers, revealed that Cliff passed away following a seizure complicated by pneumonia.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she said. “I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and coworkers who shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace.”
Cliff, born James Chambers in 1944 in St. James, Jamaica, was widely regarded as one of reggae’s most influential figures. His music, including timeless hits like Many Rivers to Cross, You Can Get It If You Really Want, and The Harder They Come, helped introduce reggae to global audiences.
He starred in the 1972 film The Harder They Come, whose soundtrack played a pivotal role in bringing reggae into the international mainstream, preceding the global rise of Bob Marley.
Over his career, Cliff earned two Grammy Awards and seven nominations, and in 2010, he became one of only two Jamaicans inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside Marley.
Cliff collaborated with numerous international artists, including Paul Simon and the Rolling Stones, and his songs were covered by legends such as Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson. Bob Dylan famously described Cliff’s Vietnam as “the greatest protest song ever written.”
Despite his vast achievements, Cliff remained committed to creating and performing, noting after his 2012 Grammy-winning album Rebirth: “Now, I feel I have not completed what I’m here on this planet to do. I have to say what I have to say and do what I have to do via music and films. Every morning I wake up, that keeps me going.”
Cliff’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time, promising further information about arrangements at a later date.
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