Kingstone, Jamaica – Legendary reggae music star Jimmy Cliff has died aged 81.
The reggae legend passed away due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news on social media, thanking fans for their support throughout his six-decade career.
A pioneer of reggae, ska, and rocksteady, Cliff was known for hits like – You Can Get It If You Really Want, Many Rivers to Cross, and his cover of I Can See Clearly Now (featured in Cool Runnings).
He starred in the iconic 1972 film -The Harder They Come, helping bring reggae global. Bob Dylan called his Vietnam “the best protest song ever written”.
Cliff won 2 Grammys (_Rebirth, 2012; Cliff Hanger, 1984), was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2010), and received Jamaica’s Order of Merit. Collaborations included The Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, and Paul Simon.
UB40 wrote a moving message on X platform.
”RIP Jimmy Cliff.
So very sad to hear that the music icon and original reggae superstar, Jimmy Cliff has died aged 81.
He finally crossed over the last river.
RIP Jimmy, your music will live forever,” UB40 said.