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, 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. 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.
Born James Chambers in 1944, Cliff grew up in Jamaica's St. James parish, where he began singing at a local church at age six. He later moved to Kingston, adopted the surname Cliff, and achieved success with his single Hurricane Hattie.
His international breakout came with the title track The Harder They Come, which included notable songs like Many Rivers To Cross and I Can See Clearly Now. Cliff's music continues to inspire fans, and he remains a cherished figure in the world of reggae, celebrated for his significant contributions to the genre.
