Reggae music legend Jimmy Cliff’s passing was revealed by his family this afternoon. His hits include You Can Get It If You Really Want.
Reggae music legend and cultural icon Jimmy Cliff has died at the age 81, his family have announced.
The You Can Get It If You Really Want hitmaker’s wife, Latifa announced the sad news via a statement on Instagram this afternoon, which was also signed by also signed by their children Lilty and Aken. It read: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote.
“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. Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”
Andrew Holness, the prime minister of Jamaica, is one of the tributes to the actor. He described Jimmy as a “true cultural giant whose music has opened the door to the world for our country.” He continued, “Jimmy Cliff told our story with all the love and care.” His music gave people hope during difficult times, inspired generations, and contributed to the respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.
He was a teenager before his father moved him to Kingston, where he would become known as Jimmy Cliff. He sold millions of records and collaborated with Bob Dylan and Bob Marley, and he became a star when he was born in Saint James, Jamaica, in the name James Chambers.
The humanitarian activist’s I Can See Clearly Now cover was featured on the soundtrack to the 1993 film Cool Runnings, which featured Johnny Nash.
In a 2019 interview, he said, “When I’ve accomplished all my goals, I guess I’ll have done it and I can just say “great.” However, I’m still hungry. I desire it. I’ve got the brightly burning fire inside of me, as I just said to you. There are still many rivers I need to traverse.”
Working with Wyclef Jean and his 30 studio albums, he released his most recent album, Refugees, in 2022. He also had an acting background, appearing as the lead in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come.
Source: Mirror
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