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Jimmy Cliff: Reggae Legend Dies at 81

The music world is mourning the passing of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who passed away at the age of 81. Here are the details of his death and a profile of the musician!

Jimmy Cliff: Reggae Legend Dies at 81
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The music world is mourning the passing of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who passed away at the age of 81. Here are the details of his death and a profile of the musician!... Selengkapnya

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Jamaican reggae icon Jimmy Cliff has passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 81.

Jimmy Cliff's wife, Latifa Chambers, announced the sad news through her husband's official social media accounts.

She explained that the cause of death was a seizure followed by pneumonia.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also expressed his condolences, calling Jimmy Cliff a cultural giant whose music brought his nation's heart to the world stage.

Jimmy Cliff is known as a pioneer who introduced reggae music to an international audience.

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Jimmy Cliff's: From Jamaica to the World Stage

Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in Somerton, Saint James, Jamaica, Jimmy Cliff began his musical journey at an early age.

He began writing songs while still in elementary school and adopted the stage name Jimmy Cliff at the age of 14.

His early career in Kingston led him to meet producer Leslie Kong, who helped him achieve his first hit, "Hurricane Hattie," at the age of 17.

In 1964, Jimmy Cliff represented Jamaica at the World's Fair in New York.

He then signed with Island Records and moved to England, paving the way for reggae music to gain wider recognition in Europe.

His rise to fame came with his role as Ivan Martin in the 1972 crime drama "The Harder They Come."

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Iconic Works and Global Influence

Jimmy Cliff is known for a number of iconic songs that have become part of music history.

Some of his most popular works include "Many Rivers to Cross," "You Can Get It If You Really Want," "The Harder They Come," and "Reggae Night."

He also successfully covered the song "I Can See Clearly Now," which became popular thanks to the film Cool Runnings.

His lyrics often address relevant social issues, such as politics, injustice, poverty, and war protests.

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Awards and Recognition for Jimmy Cliff's Dedication

Throughout his career, Jimmy Cliff has received numerous awards and recognition for his outstanding contributions to music.

He won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album: in 1986 for "Cliff Hanger" and in 2012 for "Rebirth."

In total, he received seven Grammy nominations, demonstrating the consistent quality of his work.

In 2010, Jimmy Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the highest recognition given to musicians who have made a significant impact on music history.

He is also the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit, the Jamaican government's highest honor for achievement in the arts and sciences.

Public honors have also been bestowed upon him, such as in 2019, when Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay was renamed Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.