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The world mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican-born musician and actor whose distinctive voice played a key role in popularizing the reggae genre across the globe. He has died at the age of eighty-one.

“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” wrote his wife Latifa Chambers on Instagram. “I am thankful for his family, friends, peers in the arts and colleagues who walked with him on his life’s path. To all his fans around the world, please know that your encouragement was his strength during his entire professional life … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” Her post was co-signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Cliff gained fame for hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want, “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. His optimistic musical style and positive temperament brought him a large and loyal following.

In addition to his music accomplishments, Cliff starred in the 1972’s crime drama “The Harder They Come”, a performance that was highly acclaimed and is viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.

Jimmy Cliff is among the select few of musicians, alongside Bob Marley and other greats, to be honored with the prestigious Jamaican Order of Merit.

More to follow…