Jimmy Cliff’s songs of hope and humanity leave lasting impact, leaders say
Published:Tuesday | November 25, 2025 | 12:10 AMErica Virtue/Senior Gleaner Writer
Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican singer who, alongside Bob Marley, helped bring reggae, ska, and rocksteady to the world, has died from a seizure and pneumonia on Monday at 81.
His wife, Latifa, announced on social media that he passed following a seizure caused by pneumonia, ending a 60-year career that elevated Jamaican music globally.
Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, during a hurricane in St James, he moved to Kingston at age six. His father predicted musical success for the family – a prophecy that proved true. Known for hits like You Can Get It If You Really Want It and Many Rivers to Cross, as well as covers of Johnny Nash’s I Can See Clearly Now and Cat Stevens’ Wild World, Jimmy Cliff infused his music with humanitarian and socially conscious messages.
Latifa shared: “Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace.”
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness saluted the icon on his passing.
“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,” he said. “Through timeless songs, ... Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul. His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.”
Jimmy Cliff rose to national fame at 14 with the song Hurricane Hattie and recorded more than 30 albums.
In 1965, Island Records’ Chris Blackwell invited him to the United Kingdom, where he stayed until 1969.
His post-return album, Jimmy Cliff, featured classics like Wonderful World, Beautiful People, Many Rivers to Cross, and Vietnam. The album cover caught the attention of director Perry Henzell, leading Jimmy Cliff to star in The Harder They Come, which introduced reggae to international audiences. The film portrayed some of the grittier aspects of Jamaican life, and redefined the island’s cultural identity beyond tourism.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding also paid tribute, noting that Jimmy Cliff “occupied a special space in Jamaican popular music and culture”, describing his sound as incomparable, his identity unmistakably his own, and his 60-year career as “remarkable”.
He highlighted Cliff’s global reach, particularly in South America, and recalled his iconic 1997 performance during Jamaica’s FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Jimmy Cliff collaborated with artistes including the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Annie Lennox, and Paul Simon. He won Grammy Awards for Cliff Hanger (1984) and Rebirth (2012), and received Jamaica’s Order of Merit for his contributions to music and culture.
Culture Minister Olivia Grange described him as a “global ambassador for Jamaican music” and “a pioneer whose work shaped ska, rocksteady, reggae, and soul”.
Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, a close friend, called him “an iconic pioneer” whose creative genius ensures his immortality.
Even as he faced declining eyesight, Jimmy Cliff expressed his enduring passion: “ I’m still hungry. I want it. I’ve still got the burning fire that burns brightly inside of me ... . I still have many rivers to cross!”
Jimmy Cliff had two children – daughter Lilty and son Aken.