Legendary reggae pioneer and actor Jimmy Cliff, whose music uplifted generations and helped popularize Jamaican culture globally, has passed away at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news in a statement posted on Cliff’s Instagram account, confirming that his death was due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. The statement was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken, expressing gratitude for the support from his family, friends, fellow artists, coworkers, and fans worldwide.

Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, during a hurricane in St James Parish, northwestern Jamaica, Cliff moved to Kingston with his father in the 1950s, determined to forge a career in the music industry. His talent was evident early on; at just 14, he achieved national fame with his self-penned song “Hurricane Hattie.” This marked the beginning of a remarkable six-decade career that saw him record over 30 albums and perform across the globe, including in Paris, Brazil, and at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.

Cliff was a foundational figure in the Jamaican reggae scene. He notably worked as an A&R man for Beverley’s Records, a legendary label that promoted ska, rocksteady, and eventually reggae. In this role, he played a part in discovering new talent, including Desmond Dekker and a young Bob Marley. His influence extended globally when Chris Blackwell of Island Records, the producer who launched Bob Marley and the Wailers, invited Cliff to work in the United Kingdom in 1965.

His career reached an iconic peak with the 1972 classic film “The Harder They Come,” in which he starred and whose title song he performed. Directed by Perry Henzell, the movie’s soundtrack became a major international success, significantly contributing to the spread and appeal of Jamaican reggae around the world. The film was also praised for portraying the grittier aspects of Jamaican life, offering a more nuanced view of the island beyond a mere tourist destination.

Throughout his career, Cliff was celebrated for weaving his humanitarian views into his songs, preaching messages of joy, defiance, and resilience. His antiestablishment music not only articulated the hardships faced by Jamaicans but also celebrated their enduring spirit and joy in the face of poverty and oppression. Bob Dylan even hailed Cliff’s “Vietnam” as the best protest song ever written. His other well-known songs include “Many Rivers to Cross” and “You Can Get It If You Really Want It,” alongside his popular covers of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” (featured on the 1993 “Cool Runnings” soundtrack) and Cat Stevens’s “Wild World.”

Jimmy Cliff received widespread acclaim for his contributions to music, earning two Grammy awards and seven nominations. He won a Grammy in 1984 for “Cliff Hanger” and another in 2012 for Best Reggae Album for “Rebirth,” which was produced by Tim Armstrong of the punk band Rancid. In 2010, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, becoming only one of two Jamaicans, alongside Bob Marley, to receive this honor. Wyclef Jean delivered his introductory speech, and writer Rob Bowman noted in an essay that Cliff’s role in “The Harder They Come” alone merited his inclusion. Over the years, Cliff collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Annie Lennox, and Paul Simon.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Cliff, stating that his music “lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.” Cliff’s profound impact on music and culture cemented his legacy as a true pioneer.