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The world mourns the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born reggae singer and actor whose captivating voice was instrumental in spreading the reggae genre across the globe. The artist has died at the age of eighty-one.

“With deep sorrow that I announce that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa Chambers on social media. “I am grateful for his loved ones, friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who walked with him on his life’s path. To all his supporters around the world, please know that your encouragement was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest peacefully. I will honor your wishes.” The message was co-signed by their offspring, their son and daughter.

Cliff gained fame for hit songs including You Can Get It If You Really Want, I Can See Clearly Now and Wonderful World, Beautiful People. His optimistic sound and positive temperament earned him a large and longstanding fanbase.

Beyond his music achievements, Cliff starred in the 1972’s drama film The Harder They Come, a performance that received critical praise and is considered a cornerstone of film in Jamaica.

Jimmy Cliff was one of just a handful of artists, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the esteemed Jamaican Order of Merit.

More to follow…