Reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff dies aged 81

Jimmy Cliff, one of the artists who helped carry reggae music to the world stage, has died at 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news on Facebook, saying he suffered a seizure and later developed pneumonia.

Cliff was born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in St James Parish during a fierce hurricane. He grew up on a small family farm before moving to Kingston with his father in the 1950s, determined to build a career in music. His big break came when, at 14, he rose to fame with his self-written single 'Hurricane Hattie'.

Over his career, Cliff released more than 30 albums, performing all over the world, including multiple gigs in Ireland. His international reach expanded further when Island Records founder Chris Blackwell invited him to the UK in 1965.

Cliff also made a mark in film. His starring role in the 1972 cult classic The Harder They Come not only brought reggae to moviegoers around the globe but also presented a raw portrait of life in Jamaica beyond the tourist images of beaches and resorts.

Some of Cliff's biggest hits include 'You Can Get It If You Really Want', 'Many Rivers to Cross', and his renditions of 'I Can See Clearly Now' and 'Wild World'. Bob Dylan once called his song 'Vietnam' "the finest protest song ever written".

Over the years, he collaborated with a wide range of well-known artists, including The Rolling Stones, Annie Lennox, Elvis Costello, and Paul Simon. His achievements include two Grammy Awards, Jamaica’s prestigious Order of Merit, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media for Jimmy Cliff, with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness praising him as a “cultural giant” who represented the spirit of the island abroad. UB40’s former frontman Ali Campbell called him a "foundational figure in reggae". while fans described him as a "pioneer whose music shaped generations".