Legendary reggae pioneer and actor Jimmy Cliff has passed away at the age of 81.
In a statement shared via Instagram on Monday (Nov. 24), his family said he passed away due to "a seizure followed by pneumonia." The singer-songwriter was renowned for many of his classic tracks, including "Many Rivers to Cross," "You Can Get It If You Really Want," and "Reggae Night." Born in Saint James, Colony of Jamaica, in 1944, Cliff also starred in the influential crime film, The Harder They Come.
"I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him," his family wrote in Monday's statement. "To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love. ... Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes. I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date."
Cliff got his start in the music industry in 1962 and released his debut album, Hard Road to Travel, in 1967. His 1970 song "Vietnam," inspired by a friend who served in the war and came home almost unrecognizable, was named "the best protest song ever written" by Bob Dylan, per the BBC. He won the Grammy for Best Reggae Recording in 1986 for Cliff Hanger and the Best Reggae Album Grammy for Rebirth in 2013. He received seven other Grammy nominations throughout his career.
His most recent album, Refugees, was released in 2022. Throughout his career, he collaborated with the likes of Wyclef Jean, Sting, the Rolling Stones, and Annie Lennox. His music was also covered by such artists as John Lennon, Cher, and UB40. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
In a statement, Andrew Holness, current prime minster of Jamaica, remembered Cliff as “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world.”
Rest in peace.