Jimmy Cliff, pioneer and international icon of reggae, passed away on Monday at the age of 81. Born James Chambers in 1944 in Somerton, Jamaica, the artist was one of the first to bring this musical genre far beyond the Caribbean coast. From "Many Rivers to Cross" to "Reggae Night," not to mention his cult role in the film The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff left his mark on several generations of music lovers. His passing was announced by his wife, Latifa Chambers, who thanked everyone who accompanied the singer throughout his career, as well as his fans around the world.
Jimmy Cliff found success in 1969 with the reggae song "Wonderful World, Beautiful People," followed by "Many Rivers to Cross." The latter, later covered by Joe Cocker, became a transgenerational classic. But it was in 1972 that the artist truly reached a global audience. He played the lead role in the film The Harder They Come, a cult classic that played a decisive role in popularizing reggae in Europe and the United States. The soundtrack, featuring iconic tracks such as "Sitting in Limbo" and the title song, remains one of the best-selling reggae albums in the world.
Jimmy Cliff paved the way for other Jamaican legends, including Bob Marley. He became one of the first artists from the island to sign with a major international record label. In the 1980s, his career took a more commercial turn. He recorded the huge hit "Reggae Night" in 1983, co-written and produced by La Toya Jackson. A few years later, he provided backing vocals on the Rolling Stones' album Dirty Work. The 1990s saw him combine cinema and music: his cover of "I Can See Clearly Now" for the film Cool Runnings in 1992 became a global hit, reaching number one in the French Top 50. He also recorded "Hakuna Matata" for The Lion King in 1994, before sharing the microphone with Bernard Lavilliers on "Melody Tempo Harmony" in the same year.
His contribution to music earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, the ultimate accolade for this versatile artist who also distinguished himself as an actor and composer. Very popular in France, Jimmy Cliff sold three million records there. Still active, the Jamaican artist released his latest album, "Refugees," in 2022. Until his last breath, he remained faithful to his music and his audience, performing on stages around the world.
Jimmy Cliff died from pneumonia following a seizure. His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news on social media, also thanking the medical staff for their support during this difficult time.
Jimmy Cliff was 81 years old at the time of his death. Born on July 30, 1944, the artist had a musical career spanning more than six decades.
In her farewell message, Latifa Chambers emphasized how much the support of fans had been a source of strength for the artist throughout his career. "He deeply appreciated every token of love," she wrote. For millions of fans around the world, Jimmy Cliff's powerful and luminous voice will remain the symbol of a profound, universal reggae that carries hope and resilience. A committed artist, humanist, and builder of bridges between cultures, he inspired generations of musicians, from reggae to rock to soul. In short, a page has been turned in the history of Jamaican music, but Jimmy Cliff's legacy will live on forever.
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