Two-time Grammy-winning Jamaican musician and reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who is one of the most prominent and influential figures of reggae music, has died at the age of 81. Since the 1960s, when he rose to fame, he helped 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,’ among many others. Cliff’s death was announced by his wife Latifa Chambers on November 24. 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,” Chambers said in an Instagram statement. His lead role as a gun-toting rebel in the 1972 crime drama ‘The Harder They Come’ is a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema, and was attributed as the movie that brought reggae to America. Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness also the Reggae music world to pay tributes to Cliff, calling him “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world.” “Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul. His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today,” Prime Minister wrote in social media. Born in Jamaica in 1944, Cliff scored his first local hit aged just 14 with Hurricane Hattie and would go on to win two Grammy awards and pick up seven nominations. He was only one of two Jamaicans to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside Bob Marley. He was inducted in 2010, with an introductory speech from Wyclef Jean. An essay commemorating Cliff from writer Rob Bowman said that if he had done nothing but star in The Harder They Come, he would have merited inclusion. Cliff was a foundational figure in the Jamaican reggae scene. He worked as an A&R man, discovering new talent for Beverley's Records. This legendary label promoted ska, rocksteady and eventually reggae, and played a role in the discovery of both Desmond Dekker and a young Bob Marley. A prolific artist well into later life, Cliff collaborated with a string of non-reggae musicians, including the Rolling Stones and Paul Simon. At the same time, the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson have recorded versions of his songs.
