Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has died following a seizure that was compounded by pneumonia, his family announced on Monday.
In a statement shared on Instagram, his wife, Latifa Chambers, said the Grammy-winning musician “crossed over” after the medical emergency.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote.
Chambers thanked family, friends, artists, and colleagues who stood by the Jamaican singer throughout his career.
She also expressed gratitude to fans across the globe, saying their dedication played a vital role in sustaining him over decades of music and film.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and coworkers who have shared his journey with him,” she said.
“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.”
Cliff, whose hits such as Many Rivers to Cross, You Can Get It If You Really Want, and The Harder They Come helped take reggae to international prominence, was celebrated for his distinctive voice and enduring cultural impact.
Chambers ended her message with a personal farewell: “Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”
Further details on funeral arrangements were not immediately released.
Jimmy Cliff was one of Jamaica’s most influential musicians and a key figure in bringing reggae to global audiences.
Born James Chambers in 1944 in St. James, Jamaica, he began recording as a teenager before rising to prominence in the 1960s with hits such as “Hurricane Hattie.”
His breakthrough came with a series of soulful, socially conscious songs that showcased his distinctive voice and lyrical depth.
Cliff gained international fame with “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “The Harder They Come,” tracks that became classics of the genre. His starring role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come propelled both reggae music and Jamaican culture onto the world stage, establishing him as a global cultural ambassador.
Throughout his career, Cliff experimented with ska, rocksteady, reggae, and later pop influences, maintaining relevance across decades. He collaborated with prominent artists, released more than 30 albums, and toured extensively. In 2010, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy.
Celebrated for his activism, spiritual themes, and musical versatility, Jimmy Cliff remains one of reggae’s most enduring icons, credited with shaping the genre’s international identity.
