SOUTH FLORIDA – On November 24, 2025, the world bid farewell to Jimmy Cliff, a Jamaican singer whose music and influence resonated across continents and generations. Cliff passed away at age 81 from pneumonia. This was confirmed by his wife, Latifa Chambers, on his official social media channels. Though his passing marks the end of an era, Jimmy Cliff’s legacy as a reggae pioneer and global ambassador for Jamaican culture continues to inspire.
An Inspiration to Generations
Jimmy Cliff’s impact reached far beyond the shores of Jamaica. In March 2010, during Cliff’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Haitian artist Wyclef Jean movingly recalled how Cliff’s music had shaped his own path. Growing up as a Haitian youth in Brooklyn, New York, Jean found inspiration in Cliff’s songs. He even adapted them with Christian lyrics.
“There are two people in my entire lifetime that bring a certain level to the entire Caribbean people, and we look up to them. One is Bob Marley and the other is Jimmy Cliff,” Jean told the audience.
This emphasized Cliff’s profound influence on Caribbean identity and artistry.
Global Recognition and Acclaim
Cliff was welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fellow musicians and fans, like Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne, celebrated this moment.
As the second reggae artist to receive this honor, after Bob Marley, Cliff is now a musical great. He has won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album. One was for Cliff Hanger in 1986, and the other was for Rebirth in 2013.
In 2003, the Jamaican government awarded him the Order of Merit. It is the nation’s fourth-highest honor, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to Jamaican culture and international music.
Iconic Roles and Hit Songs
Jimmy Cliff was not only an accomplished singer but also an actor. He gained international fame for his starring role as Ivan in the 1972 film The Harder They Come, directed by Perry Henzell. The movie and its soundtrack introduced reggae music to a worldwide audience. It remains a cultural touchstone.
Cliff’s discography features timeless hits such as “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” “Sitting in Limbo,” “Bongo Man,” “I Can See Clearly Now,” and “Reggae Nights.” His rendition of “I Can See Clearly Now,” a cover of Johnny Nash’s original, was featured in the 1993 film Cool Runnings. This film chronicled Jamaica’s historic bobsleigh team at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
A Mentor and Beloved Performer
Throughout his career, Jimmy Cliff touched the lives of bandmates, fans, and fellow musicians. Guitarist Wayne Armond, who played on “I Can See Clearly Now” and toured with Cliff for six years, reflected on the singer’s extraordinary appeal.
“We would go places and people would do anything to meet Jimmy. Personally, we had great respect for each other; I saw Jimmy as a mentor.”
Legacy
Jimmy Cliff’s music and message still connect with people today. He reminds us of the power of hope, perseverance, and cultural pride. As a pioneer, he brought reggae to the world and inspired many artists. His contributions will live on in every note, lyric, and memory he leaves behind.
