Legendary Reggae Singer Jimmy Cliff Has Died at 81

Legendary Jamaican reggae singer and actor has passed away after a seizure followed by pneumonia, his wife announced on Monday. A two-time Grammy winner, he was also renowned for his starring role in the groundbreaking 1972 film The Harder They Come.

 A real reggae legend and a music pioneer has died

Legendary Jamaican reggae singer, actor, and musician Jimmy Cliff died at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced on November 24, 2025, that he passed away after suffering a seizure followed by pneumonia.

“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 coworkers 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 … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes,” she wrote.

A two-time Grammy winner and true cultural icon, Cliff was instrumental in bringing reggae to the global stage , not only through his remarkable musical catalogue but also through his starring role in the groundbreaking 1972 film The Harder They Come, widely regarded as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.

Prime Minister Hon. Andrew Holness pays tribute on his social platforms, “Today, Jamaica pauses to honour the life of the Honourable Jimmy Cliff, OM, a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world", he wrote. “His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today. We give thanks for his life, his contribution, and the pride he brought to Jamaica.”

With renowned hits such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “I Can See Clearly Now,” and “Many Rivers To Cross,” and many more, Cliff’s uplifting sound earned him a devoted worldwide fanbase and cemented his legacy as one of Jamaica’s most influential artists.