Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81, his publicist confirmed May 9, 2024. The Jamaican singer, known for hits like “the Harder They Come” and “You Can’t Be Serious,” passed away in Miami, Florida.
Cliff’s death marks the loss of a pioneering figure who brought reggae music to a global audience. His soundtrack for the 1972 film The Harder They Come is widely credited with popularizing the genre internationally and remains a seminal work. Throughout a career spanning over five decades, Cliff blended reggae with soul, rock, and pop, earning a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Born James chambers on April 22, 1943, in rural Jamaica, Cliff began recording in the late 1960s. He achieved early success with songs like “Wonderful World, Lovely People” and “Many Rivers to Cross.” His role in The Harder They Come catapulted him to international stardom, and he continued to tour and record prolifically, influencing generations of musicians. Cliff is survived by his wife,Steve,and two daughters.
