Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Dies At 81

By OBI DAVIES

REGGAE legend Jimmy Cliff, one of Jamaica’s most influential musicians, has died at 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced he passed away after a seizure followed by pneumonia, describing him as a beloved husband whose fans sustained him throughout his career.

Born James Chambers in 1944 in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff rose from poverty to global fame through his distinctive voice and uplifting message. He began singing in church as a child and moved to Kingston at 14, where he adopted the name “Cliff” to reflect his ambitions. His early success came with the Jamaican chart-topper Hurricane Hattie, leading to a partnership with Island Records in London.

Cliff broke into international consciousness with hits like Wonderful World, Beautiful People, and You Can Get It If You Really Want. His socially charged song Vietnam earned praise from Bob Dylan as “the best protest song ever written.”

His starring role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come transformed both his career and the global reach of reggae, with the soundtrack—featuring Many Rivers to Cross—widely credited for introducing the genre to US audiences.

Across decades, Cliff collaborated with major artists, including the Rolling Stones, and returned to the charts in 1993 with I Can See Clearly Now from Cool Runnings. He earned multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Jamaica also honoured him with the Order of Merit.

Despite his accolades, Cliff often said the greatest reward was inspiring fans. “That, for me, is a big success,” he told NPR in 2012.

He is survived by his wife and children, Lilty and Aken.