Jamaican Reggae Singer Jimmy Cliff Dies at 81
Remembering Jimmy Cliff (1944-2025): The Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae pioneer, singer-songwriter, and actor behind hits like "The Harder They Come" and "Many Rivers to Cross."
Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican reggae musician, singer-songwriter, and actor, passed away today at the age of 81 due to a seizure followed by pneumonia, as announced by his wife.
Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in Somerton, Jamaica, he rose to international fame in the 1960s and 1970s as one of reggae's pioneering figures, blending ska, rocksteady, and soul influences into the genre.
Cliff's breakthrough came with his starring role in the 1972 cult classic film The Harder They Come, where he played Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin, a character inspired by real-life Jamaican outlaw Rhyging. The movie's soundtrack, featuring Cliff's hits like "You Can Get It If You Really Want," "Many Rivers to Cross," and the title track, became a cornerstone of reggae music and helped popularize the genre globally.
He earned a Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Reggae Album with Cliff Hanger, and another in 2012 for Best Reggae Album with Rebirth. Over his career, he released numerous albums, including classics like Wonderful World, Beautiful People (1970) and Follow My Mind (1975), and collaborated with artists such as Bob Dylan and Sting.Beyond music, Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 and received Jamaica's Order of Merit in 2003 for his contributions to the arts and culture.
His work often addressed social issues, spirituality, and resilience, influencing generations of musicians in reggae, hip-hop, and beyond. He leaves behind a profound legacy as a cultural icon who helped put Jamaican music on the world map.