Photo: Getty Images
Reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff has died, per the Associated Press. He was 81.
On Monday (November 24), Cliff's family announced that the iconic reggae singer, songwriter, and actor had died from a "seizure followed by pneumonia."
Cliff, born James Chambers in Saint James, Jamaica, was one of reggae’s earliest global ambassadors. With a gift for transforming resistance into anthems, Cliff helped shape the genre alongside Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert, and Peter Tosh.
Chambers released several hits in the 1960s and early 70s, including “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Vietnam,” before breaking through as an international star in the 1972 film "The Harder They Come." Chambers starred as Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin, a desperate musician who turns outlaw, in the landmark movie that helped bring reggae to global audiences. The film's soundtrack is still widely hailed as one of the greatest of all time.
Throughout his decades-long career, Cliff collaborated with artists from the Rolling Stones to Wyclef Jean. Cliff earned seven Grammy nominations and won twice, including in 2012 for “Rebirth." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
Cliff’s influence resounds through modern reggae, ska, rock, and world music. Following his death, Cliff's family thanked his fans for decades of support.
“He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”
Rest in peace, Jimmy Cliff.
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