Jimmy Cliff dies aged 81: Tributes pour in for reggae legend
24 November 2025, 16:58
The reggae legend helped made the genre a global phenomenon.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81.
The reggae legend's wife Latifa Chambers broke the news of his passing on her Instagram account today (November 24).
- 'No Woman No Cry' by Bob Marley: The making of the reggae crossover smash hit
- Listen to the Music From The Movies Live Playlist on Global Player, the home of Gold
"It's with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia," Latifa said.
"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."
The note, signed by Latifa and her two children Lilty and Aken, read: "Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace."
Born James Chambers in 1944, Cliff grew up in St. James, Jamaica.
He released his first singles in the early 1960s but it was in the 1970s when he really broke through with hits like 'Wild World', 'You Can Get It If You Really Want', 'Wonderful World, Beautiful People', 'Many Rivers To Cross' and 'The Harder They Come'.
You Can Get It If You Really Want (Live On Later...With Joo...
Bob Dylan called Cliff's 'Vietnam' "the best protest song ever written".
He played the lead in Jamaican crime drama The Harder They Come 1972 and performed four songs on the soundtrack, including the title track.
The album is widely credited with helping to turn reggae from a Jamaican phenomenon to a global sensation. Cliff's 'Shelter of Your Love' featured in 1988 Tom Cruise movie Cocktail, and his cover of Johnny Nash's 'I Can See Clearly Now’ was on the 1993 classic Cool Runnings.
Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2003 he was given the Jamaican Order of Merit.
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.
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) November 24, 2025
Through timeless songs like Many Rivers to Cross, The Harder They Come, You Can Get It If You Really Want, and Sitting in… pic.twitter.com/nav8Qoxm6g
He released his final album Refugees in 2022, after a near decade-long gap from its well-received predecessor Rebirth in 2013.
Since news of his passing broke today, tributes have flown in for Cliff.
Among those mourning the reggae great was Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness.
"Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul," Holness said. "His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.
Jimmy Cliff Recording The Harder They Come In Studio Session
"We give thanks for his life, his contribution, and the pride he brought to Jamaica. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and o every Jamaican, I know we feel this loss deeply.
"Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on in every corner of our island and in the hearts of the Jamaican people."
UB40's Ali Campbell said: "Absolutely heartbroken to hear about the passing of a Reggae forefather Jimmy Cliff.
Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now
"A true foundation, a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world. Jimmy wasn’t just a legend, he was a light."
He added: "Every time I step on a stage, I’m reminded of the giants who laid the groundwork, and Jimmy was one of the greatest. A man of heart, humility, and unbelievable talent.
"Rest easy, King. Your voice lives forever and your legacy will keep inspiring generations of reggae lovers across the globe."
