Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies aged 81
The music legend's wife, Latifa Chambers announced his death with a message on Instagram.
Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81, his wife has announced. Cliff was the man behind some huge chart toppers such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, “I Can See Clearly Now” and “The Harder They Come”, released during an illustrious career spanning six decades that helped bring reggae to the masses.
Announcing the news on Instagram, his wife Latifa Chambers wrote: "It's with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.
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"To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love. Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes - we see you Legend."
The message to his fans was co-signed by Jimmy’s children, Lilty and Aken.
Born as James Chambers in the struggling village of Somerton in Jamaica in 1944, he was one of nine brothers and sisters, and at a young age became famous for his singing voice, becoming somewhat of a local celebrity at the age of six after performing at his church.
He moved to the capital of Jamaica, Kingston, when he was just 12 and got his first hit with “Hurricane Hattie” when he was only 14 years old, which would kick-start his career.
Cliff has two Grammys to his name, as well as being honoured with the Jamaican Order of Merit and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cliff not only sang, but also dabbled in acting. In 1972 he starred in the classic crime film, The Harder They Come, taking on the lead role, Ivanhoe Martin, a man looking for work, who goes on to land a recording contract as a reggae singer but soon finds himself resorting to crime to pay the bills.
After Bob Marley took over the reggae throne, Cliff pivoted much of his music to soul and rock.
Speaking to the Independent, Cliff said: “They say, ‘You're a Jamaican, you're known for reggae,’ so you're supposed to do that. But I won't.
“I felt like, ‘I've done my part; now I'm on another path.’ It was perceived by others that I was wrong, that I could have been like Bob. But I felt good. Looking for the new, that's fundamental to me.”
