The World Remembers Jimmy Cliff: A Reggae Icon Passes at 81

Wed Nov 26 2025 06:20:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Jimmy Cliff, a legendary figure in reggae music and Jamaican cinema, has passed away at the age of 81. He is revered for his timeless hits and impactful roles, including his performance in 'The Harder They Come'.

Jimmy Cliff, an esteemed reggae artist known for his songs like 'Many Rivers To Cross' and his memorable role in 'The Harder They Come', has died at 81 due to a seizure and pneumonia. His legacy influences many artists globally, with tributes pouring in from fans and colleagues who celebrate his contribution to music and culture.

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 was attributed as the movie that brought reggae to America.

Cliff's wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death via a statement 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. To all his fans around the world, 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.

Born James Chambers in 1944, Cliff grew up in poverty in the parish of St. James, Jamaica. He began singing at his local church at the age of six and was inspired to write his own songs after hearing ska pioneer Derrick Morgan on the radio.

He recorded a handful of singles and topped the Jamaican charts with his own composition, Hurricane Hattie. Moving to London in 1965 led to further successes with songs like Wonderful World, Beautiful People and the politically charged Vietnam, which Bob Dylan called the best protest song ever written.

Cliff became an international star with The Harder They Come, expressly written for the film where he played Ivan Martin, a young man attempting to break into Jamaica's corrupt music industry.

The film opened doors for Jamaican music worldwide, and Cliff contributed four songs to the soundtrack, including the gospel hymn Many Rivers To Cross.

Cliff's legacy continues to inspire countless fans and artists, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. His contributions to music and society will be celebrated for generations to come.