Reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff, one of Jamaica’s most influential musical ambassadors, has died at the age of 81.
A towering figure since the 1960s, Cliff helped carry the sound of Jamaica across the globe with classics like “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “You Can Get It If You Really Want.” His starring role as an outlaw musician in the 1972 film The Harder They Come became a defining moment in Jamaican cinema and played a key role in introducing reggae to American audiences.
Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his passing in a statement shared on Instagram.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote. “I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.”
Addressing fans worldwide, she added: “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.”
The message was also signed by the couple’s children, Lilty and Aken.
