International reggae legend, Jimmy Cliff, dies at 81

The world of music mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the iconic Jamaican singer, actor, and reggae ambassador, who passed away at the age of 81. His wife announced his passing in an emotional Instagram post, revealing that he succumbed to complications following a seizure and pneumonia. She expressed gratitude for the support of family, friends, and fellow artists who shared in his remarkable journey. Cliff’s career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on global music culture. His timeless hits, including “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Born in Saint James, Jamaica, in 1944, Cliff’s musical journey began in the early 1960s in Kingston, where he collaborated with producer Leslie Kong. His international breakthrough came with the 1972 film “The Harder They Come,” a pioneering Caribbean classic that showcased his talent and solidified his status as a reggae icon. The film’s soundtrack, featuring Cliff’s iconic songs, remains a cornerstone of reggae music. Cliff’s contributions to music were widely recognized, earning him Jamaica’s Order of Merit in 2003 and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2021, the U.S. Library of Congress preserved the soundtrack of “The Harder They Come” in the National Recording Registry. Cliff’s career also included a Grammy-winning cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” in 1994 and the release of his final album, “Refugees,” in 2022. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Cliff, praising his ability to inspire generations and elevate Jamaican culture globally. “Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on,” Holness wrote on X.