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The Grammy-winning artist and star of “The Harder They Come” helped introduce reggae music to international audiences.
WASHINGTON — Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican singer and actor who helped bring reggae music to audiences around the world, has died at 81.
His family announced his death in a statement on his official Instagram account, saying he died after a seizure followed by pneumonia.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him,” Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, said in the statement. “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”
Cliff was one of the most influential figures in reggae history, known for classics including “Many Rivers to Cross,” “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “I Can See Clearly Now.” He also starred in a movie called “The Harder They Come” in 1972, which, along with its soundtrack became international hits and played a major role in introducing reggae to global audiences.
Cliff collaborated with various artists throughout his career, including the Rolling Stones and Paul Simon. Musicians like Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson also covered his music. Bob Dylan once called his track “Vietnam” the “greatest protest song ever written.”
Born in Jamaica in 1944, Cliff scored his first hit at 14 and went on to build a career that spanned more than six decades. He won two Grammy Awards and, in 2010, became one of only two Jamaicans, alongside Bob Marley, to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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