Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Dies at 81 After Seizure and Pneumonia, Family Confirms

Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican singer, songwriter, and actor whose work helped carry reggae to audiences around the world, has died at 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed in a statement on Nov. 24 that Cliff suffered a seizure followed by pneumonia.

“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over,” she wrote on the artist’s official Instagram page. “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.” The statement was signed by Chambers and the couple’s children, Lilty and Aken, who also thanked the medical team that cared for him. The family requested privacy, noting that further details would be released later.

Born James Chambers in 1944, Cliff’s musical journey began in his Pentecostal church at age six. At 14, he moved to Kingston and adopted the stage name “Jimmy Cliff,” signaling his ambition to reach global heights. He quickly became a fixture of Jamaica’s emerging music scene, recording early tracks and working closely with producer Leslie Kong. Cliff was present for formative moments in Jamaican music, including auditions for future legends like Bob Marley and Desmond Dekker.

His international breakthrough came after signing with Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who viewed Cliff as reggae’s bridge to mainstream audiences. Their collaboration produced the 1967 album Hard Road to Travel. But it was Cliff’s return to Jamaica in 1969 that launched him into global superstardom. His self-titled album featured timeless classics such as “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” the soulful “Many Rivers to Cross,” and the anti-war anthem “Vietnam.”

Cliff’s role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come—and its landmark soundtrack—cemented his legacy. The film is widely credited with introducing reggae to the world and breaking through cultural and musical barriers.

Over the decades, Cliff remained a devoted ambassador for reggae, using his artistry to inspire, uplift, and advocate for social change. His enduring contributions were recognized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Jimmy Cliff is survived by his wife and children, leaving behind a towering legacy that helped shape the global soundscape.