Jimmy Cliff, the singer and actor whose smooth voice helped turn reggae into a global phenomenon, has died at the age of 81.
News of his death was delivered by his wife Latifa Chambers, who wrote on Instagram: “It is with deep sadness that I announce that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, passed away due to an epileptic seizure followed by pneumonia. I thank his family, his friends, his colleagues and the artists who shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, know that your support has been his strength throughout his career… Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” The message was also signed by his children, Lilty and Aken.
Hits such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Beautiful World, Beautiful People” and his cheerful disposition have earned Cliff a large and long-lasting fan base. Her starring role in the 1972 crime film “The Harder They Come” was also acclaimed and the film is considered a milestone in Jamaican cinema.
He is one of the few musicians, along with Bob Marley and others, to receive the Jamaican Order of Merit.
