Jimmy Cliff, a highly influential and beloved figure who was instrumental in bringing reggae music from Jamaica to a global audience, has died at the age of 81.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed via Instagram that the musician, born James Chambers, “crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.”
A Cornerstone of Reggae and Jamaican Cinema
A star since the 1960s, Cliff’s immense contributions to music and film include:
- Global Hits: Cliff popularized reggae worldwide with iconic songs like “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” “Many Rivers To Cross,” and “You Can Get It If You Really Want.”
- The Harder They Come (1972): Cliff’s lead role as the gun-toting rebel Ivan Martin in this crime drama is considered a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema. The film and its soundtrack are credited with introducing the reggae genre to America.
- “Vietnam”: His politically-charged single, “Vietnam,” was famously called “the best protest song ever written” by Bob Dylan.
Legacy and Honors
Cliff, who adopted the surname ‘Cliff’ to symbolize the heights he intended to reach, began his career in poverty in St. James Parish, Jamaica. His music often reflected themes of struggle infused with hope.
- Collaborations: He collaborated with major artists, including the Rolling Stones on their Dirty Work album.
- US Chart Success: He had a major return to US charts in 1993 with his cover of “I Can See Clearly Now,” featured on the soundtrack for the film Cool Runnings.
- Awards: He was a Grammy Award winner for albums like Cliff Hanger (1985) and Rebirth (2012).
- Hall of Fame: Jimmy Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, where he was celebrated for inspiring countless artists globally. He was also awarded Jamaica’s prestigious Order of Merit in 2003.
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