Reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff dies aged 81
Singer Jimmy Cliff has died (Alistair Wilson 50/50/PA)
Reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81, his family has announced.
The musician, best known for the title track from seminal film died following a seizure after he came down with pneumonia, his wife Latifa said.
A post to his Instagram page said: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and co-workers who have shared his journey with him.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
The post was signed by his wife and two of his children, Lilty and Aken.
The music star, who was known for songs including and had two Grammys to his name and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2010.
Among his other famous songs was 1969’s which was reportedly described by Bob Dylan as “the best protest song” he had ever heard.
Cliff found a new level of fame when he starred in 1972 crime film as young Jamaican reggae singer Ivanhoe Martin, known to friends as Ivan, who dreams of stardom but struggles to get his musical voice heard.
The movie’s soundtrack featured several of his songs including which has been covered by UB40, Cher and Annie Lennox.
His last studio album, was released in 2022, and the singer said he wrote the title track “due to emotional feelings towards freedom taken away from human beings”.
He was one of several musicians, alongside Bob Marley and others, to be awarded Jamaica’s Order of Merit.
