Jamaican music legend Jimmy Cliff, celebrated worldwide for helping popularize reggae, has died at the age of 81. His family announced on Monday that he passed away following a seizure that led to pneumonia.
In a statement shared on social media, the family thanked fans for their unwavering support, saying Cliff deeply valued the love he received throughout his long career.
Rising to fame in the 1960s, Cliff became one of reggae’s most influential figures, with timeless hits such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People. His breakthrough role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come is widely credited with introducing reggae to global audiences. The movie’s iconic soundtrack featured some of Cliff’s most recognized songs, including the title track, Sitting in Limbo, and You Can Get It If You Really Want.
Throughout his career, Cliff collaborated with major international artists including the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Annie Lennox, and Paul Simon. He also recorded the popular track I Can See Clearly Now for the 1993 film Cool Runnings. One of his final duets was Over the Border with Joe Strummer of The Clash.
In 2010, Cliff was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which hailed him as reggae’s “first champion.”
Following news of his death, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute on X, describing Cliff as a “true cultural giant” whose music carried the spirit of Jamaica to the world.