Jimmy Cliff, a renowned figure in reggae music, has passed away at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his death in an Instagram post, stating that he died due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. Cliff was a significant artist since the 1960s, recognized for hits such as “Wonderful World,” “Beautiful People,” and “You Can Get It If You Really Want.”
Born James Chambers in 1944 in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff was the eighth of nine children and faced severe poverty during his upbringing. He started singing in church at age six and began writing his own music inspired by ska pioneer Derrick Morgan. By 14, he adopted the surname “Cliff” to symbolize his aspirations. He initially recorded several singles, eventually achieving success with “Hurricane Hattie,” and signed with Island Records in 1965.
Cliff’s musical breakthrough came with the 1969 single “Wonderful World, Beautiful People.” He also gained prominence for his role in the 1972 film “The Harder They Come,” for which he wrote several songs, including the gospel hymn “Many Rivers To Cross.” This film played a major role in introducing reggae to international audiences.
In his career, Cliff released multiple Grammy-winning albums and collaborated with notable acts, including the Rolling Stones. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, recognizing his influence in music. Despite his accolades, Cliff emphasized the importance of his connection with fans, recalling how his songs inspired listeners to pursue their education and ambitions.
His contributions to Jamaican music were acknowledged through various honors, including the Order of Merit awarded in 2003. His legacy in reggae continues to resonate, demonstrating the power of music to inspire and uplift.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4qdren425o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss