The reggae legend, who many consider the first king of Jamaican music, Jimmy Cliff has passed away on Monday at the age of 81 due to complications from pneumonia, as informed by his wife Latifa Chambers on the musician's official Instagram account. "Jimmy, my love, may you rest in peace. I will fulfill your wishes. I hope everyone can respect our privacy in these difficult times. We see you and you see us, Legend," reads the emotional family statement.
Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers in 1944 in the rural district of Somerton (Jamaica), was one of the key figures in the internationalization of reggae. His career started very early: at just 14 years old, he was already recording in studios in Kingston and achieved his first success with Hurricane Hattie. That precocity marked the beginning of a trajectory that would soon place him among the most influential voices in Jamaican music.
The definitive breakthrough came after signing with Island Records, a label with which he settled in London and expanded his sound horizon by incorporating influences from soul and rhythm & blues. His international consecration came in 1972 when he starred in the movie The Harder They Come. The soundtrack, with songs like Many Rivers to Cross or The Harder They Come itself, became a key work in understanding the global expansion of reggae in the 70s.
Throughout his extensive discography, Cliff signed some of the most recognizable anthems of the genre, from You Can Get It If You Really Want to Wonderful World, Beautiful People or his famous rendition of I Can See Clearly Now. His clear voice, stage charisma, and commitment to socially charged lyrics allowed him to remain relevant for decades, during which he also explored other artistic facets such as acting.
Honored in Jamaica with the Order of Merit and internationally recognized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, Jimmy Cliff left a legacy that transcends music. His work accompanied cultural movements, paved the way for future generations, and solidified reggae as a universal language. His influence remains as that of an artist who brought his voice and that of his country to every corner of the world. For many, the first king of reggae has passed away.