Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican star behind hit songs such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “I Can See Clearly Now”, has died aged 81.
The news was announced by his wife, Latifa, in a post to Cliff’s official Instagram page, which said: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.
Latifa extended appreciation to fans across the globe, noting that their devotion and admiration were a constant source of strength for the celebrated musician.
“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career,” she said. “He really appreciated every fan for their love.”
In her message, she thanked Dr Couceyro and the entire medical team who cared for Cliff during his final days, praising their compassion and support during what she described as a challenging period.
“Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes,” she wrote, asking the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve. She noted that further information on funeral arrangements will be released at a later date.
Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers, was a global reggae ambassador whose hits—including “Many Rivers to Cross,” “The Harder They Come,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Sitting in Limbo”—helped propel Jamaican music onto the world stage. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 and remained one of reggae’s most enduring cultural figures.
His wife ended her tribute with a message of love from the family: “See you and we see you, Legend.”
Jimmy Cliff’s passing marks the end of an era, but his music, influence and spirit continue to resonate across generations.
