Breaking News: Reggae Great Jimmy Cliff Dies at 81
Jimmy Cliff, Star of ‘The Harder They Come’, Passes On After Illness
Elohim Nyame 
Jamaica and the global music fraternity are mourning the death of legendary reggae figure Jimmy Cliff, who passed away at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed the news early Monday through a heartfelt message on his official Instagram account, revealing that he suffered a seizure which later led to pneumonia.
In her emotional tribute, Chambers thanked supporters across the world, noting that the outpouring of love throughout Cliff’s career remained a major source of strength for him. Her message ended with a personal farewell: “Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace.”
Cliff, widely hailed as one of the most influential architects of reggae, earned global acclaim for timeless hits such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “The Harder They Come.” His impact stretched far beyond music; his breakout performance in the 1972 film “The Harder They Come” introduced reggae’s cultural and social depth to international audiences. The film’s gritty depiction of struggle and survival challenged stereotypical portrayals of Jamaica and became a cult classic in the United States.
Over the decades, Cliff’s artistry garnered significant accolades, including two Grammy Awards—Best Reggae Recording in 1986 for “Cliff Hanger” and Best Reggae Album in 2013 for “Rebirth.” His expansive influence continued into the 1990s, where critics noted his evolution into a dynamic, global sound that blended reggae with rhythms from Brazil, Africa and the United States.
From stage to screen, Cliff’s charisma, vocal power and musical innovation cemented him as a towering figure in world music, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.
His legacy deep, enduring and unmistakably global remains firmly etched in the story of reggae music.
Source: nytimes.com
