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Global audiences grieves the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican-born musician and performer whose distinctive vocal talent was instrumental in popularizing the reggae genre worldwide. He has died at the age of 81.

“It’s with profound sadness that I announce that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” posted his wife Latifa Chambers on social media. “I am thankful for his family, friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who shared his journey. To all his supporters around the world, please know that your encouragement was his motivation during his whole career … Jimmy, my dear, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” The message was co-signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Jimmy Cliff was beloved for hit songs such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, I Can See Clearly Now and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His optimistic sound and uplifting temperament brought him a vast and longstanding fanbase.

Beyond his music accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama “The Harder They Come”, a performance that received critical praise and is viewed as a cornerstone of film in Jamaica.

He is among the select few of artists, alongside Bob Marley and others, to be honored with the esteemed Jamaican Order of Merit.

More to follow…