Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae music pioneer, dies at 81. Image: News24
(The Post News)- Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican singer whose soaring vocals died at 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his passing on Facebook on Monday, 24 November 2025. She said the cause was a seizure. It was followed by pneumonia.
60 Years in the Industry, Cliff Has Over 30 Albums
Across more than 60 years, Cliff recorded over 30 albums and toured worldwide. He performed in Paris, Brazil, and at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. In 1965, he moved to the United Kingdom. He was invited by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. Blackwell was the producer who would later launch Bob Marley and the Wailers. Cliff’s artistry helped lay the foundation for reggae’s rise outside Jamaica. He was positioned alongside Marley as one of the genre’s defining figures.
Cliff later expanded his influence through film. He starred in the groundbreaking 1972 movie The Harder They Come. The film was directed by Perry Henzell. It is widely credited with introducing reggae to an international audience. The movie offered an unflinching look at Jamaica beyond its postcard-perfect tourist image—depicting hardship, grit and resilience. In a 2019 interview, as he was losing his sight, Cliff said: “Once I’ve achieved all my ambitions, I think I will have done it. At that point, I can just say ‘great’. I’ve accomplished a lot. But I’m still hungry. I want it. I’ve still got the burning fire… I still have many rivers to cross.”
Cliff is known for classics such as You Can Get It If You Really Want, Many Rivers to Cross and his iconic covers of I Can See Clearly Now and Wild World. He blended irresistible melody with humanitarian and anti-establishment themes. Bob Dylan once described his song Vietnam as the greatest protest song ever written. Cliff’s music gave powerful voice to the struggles and triumphs of everyday Jamaicans, capturing both hardship and hope in equal measure.
Collaborated with Annie Lennoz and more
His collaborations spanned genres and generations, working with artists including the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Annie Lennox and Paul Simon. His later career brought major accolades: a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2012 for Rebirth, produced by Tim Armstrong of the punk band Rancid, and another Grammy in 1984 for Cliff Hanger.
Cliff’s contributions were recognised at the highest levels. He received Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the nation’s top honour for arts and sciences, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
Jimmy Cliff’s voice, vision and indomitable spirit reshaped global music, leaving a legacy that continues to reverberate far beyond the shores of Jamaica.
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