Jimmy Cliff, one of the most prominent and beloved proponents of reggae music, has died at the age of 81.
A star since the 1960s, he helped to bring the sound of Jamaica to a global audience through hits such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want.
His lead role as a gun-toting rebel in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come is a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema and is credited with bringing reggae to America.
Cliff's wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death via a statement on Instagram, stating, It's with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. She expressed gratitude towards his family, friends, and fans for their support and reflected on Cliff's journey through a career that touched the hearts of many.
Born James Chambers in 1944, Cliff grew up in abject poverty in St. James, Jamaica, and began singing in church at age six. By 1965, he relocated to London to work with Island Records, where he achieved significant success with singles like Wonderful World, Beautiful People and the poignant Vietnam.
The Harder They Come, in which Cliff starred as Ivan Martin, opened the door for Jamaica's music scene, solidifying his legacy. He went on to record Grammy Award-winning albums and became an internationally recognized figure in music, inspiring artists across generations.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, Cliff continued to tour and connect with fans until late in his life, culminating in performances at major festivals including Coachella.
Jimmy Cliff's contributions to reggae and popular culture remain undeniable, and his spirit will live on through his music.
