Jimmy Cliff, one of the biggest names in reggae music, has died at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, disclosed this on Instagram.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have 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. I will follow your wishes.”
READ ALSO: When Jamaican reggae star Jimmy Cliff was framed and thrown into jail in Nigeria
Born James Chambers but known professionally as Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican singer, multi-instrumentalist and actor was the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit, which may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica or distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica for achievements in the field of science, the arts, literature or any other endeavor.
Raised in the countryside, he started writing songs while still at primary school before moving to Kingston at the age of 14, where he would persuade a record shop owner to record him. Today, you may know him for hits such as “Many Rivers to Cross”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”, “Reggae Night”, “The Harder They Come”, and “Hakuna Matata”.
He became an international star with The Harder They Come, which was written for the movie of the same name. The 1972 crime drama, which he starred in, is credited with bringing reggae to the world.
With over 30 albums, Cliff performed all over the world, including in Paris, in Brazil and at the World’s Fair in 1964. Cliff’s last studio album, Refugees, was released in 2022. Made with Wyclef Jean, the reggae legend said he wrote the title track “due to emotional feelings towards freedom taken away from human beings”.
Besides Jean, he worked with other music stars including Annie Lennox, Paul Simon, the Rolling Stones, Sting, and Elvis Costello.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
