Legendary reggae artist Jimmy Cliff has died aged 81
Cliff worked with the likes of Annie Lennox and The Rolling Stones during his 60-year career
Jimmy Cliff, the pioneering reggae singer and actor widely-regarded as one of Jamaica's most celebrated musicians, has died at the age of 81.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed the news on social media on Monday, November 24, writing: “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 co-workers who have shared his journey with him,” she continued. “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.”
Jimmy Cliff was born in Jamaica’s St. James Parish in 1944, later moving to the country’s capital, Kingston, to further his music career. At the age of just 14, he wrote a track named ‘Hurricane Hattie’, which gained him quick recognition.
In the years that followed, Cliff released hit tracks including ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People’, which, in 1969, spent 13 weeks in the British singles charts, beloved hits ‘The Harder They Come’ and ‘Many Rivers to Cross’, and ‘Vietnam’, named by Bob Dylan as one of the greatest protest tracks of all time.
His activism for peace and voice for those who faced hardships in civil and human rights became globally renowned, and by the ‘70s, Cliff was picking up recognition from the likes of John Lennon.
During his 60-year career, Cliff released over 30 albums and worked with artists including Annie Lennox and The Rolling Stones, and was nominated for seven GRAMMY Awards – winning twice.
His vocals have been endlessly sampled in both reggae and beyond, with Chase & Status, Fatboy Slim, Rebel MC, and B.o.B among artists who have utilised his music in tracks. In 2024, Major Lazer's Walshy Fire released a series of remixes from Cliff's soundtrack to the 1972 film The Harder They Come.
“He really appreciated each and every fan for their love,” Cliff’s wife wrote in tribute. “Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”
Read some more tributes below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter