Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies at 81 after sudden health complication
The legendary singer, actor, and cultural ambassador behind ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ and ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ died at 81, his family revealing he succumbed to a seizure and pneumonia.
Legendary Jamaican reggae icon Jimmy Cliff passed away on Monday at the age of 81 after a sudden health complication.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his death in an Instagram post, noting that the pioneering artist — revered for uplifting generations through his music — died after a seizure and complications from 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 in the statement signed by her children, Lilty and Aken.
"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."
Born James Chambers in 1944 in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff grew up poor but discovered his passion for music early. The eighth of nine children, he began singing at his local church at age six.
Hearing ska music on the radio inspired him to start writing songs, and he even sought guidance from his teacher on how to compose music.
At 14, he moved to Kingston and adopted the name "Cliff" to reflect the lofty ambitions he had for himself. His early recordings quickly gained attention; “Hurricane Hattie” topped the Jamaican charts and made him a rising star.
In 1965, Cliff moved to London to work with Island Records.
Although he initially struggled, his 1969 releases “Wonderful World”, “Beautiful People”, and the protest anthem “Vietnam” propelled him onto the global stage.
His breakthrough into global stardom came with the film The Harder They Come, in which he portrayed Ivan Martin, a young Jamaican musician fighting for success. He also contributed several songs to the soundtrack, including the iconic “Many Rivers to Cross” — a reflection of his own hardships.
Cliff went on to collaborate with global acts such as the Rolling Stones, and his 1993 hit “I Can See Clearly Now” returned him to the US charts.
Over his decades-long career, Cliff earned Grammys for albums including Cliff Hanger and Rebirth.
Jamaica awarded him the Order of Merit in 2003, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
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