Cause of Death Revealed For Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has passed away, his wife Latifa Chambers announced on Instagram Monday morning. Cliff was 81.

A 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Cliff helped bring the reggae genre to new heights. His career spanned more than five decades, with his latest album, Refugees, released in 2022. In announcing his death, Chambers also revealed what led to her husband's passing.

Cause of death cited for Jimmy Cliff

According to Chambers, Cliff had been hospitalized due to a seizure as well as pneumonia.

"It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia," Chambers wrote. "I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. 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. I also wanted to thank Dr. Couceyro and the whole medical staff, as they have been extremely supportive and helpful during this difficult process."

Chambers finished off her post with a quick, heartfelt message to her late husband.

"Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace," she said. "I will follow your wishes. I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date."

Cliff's career celebrated

In addition to his many hit songs, the Jamaican-born Cliff featured in the starring role in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, playing main character Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin. The film and its accompanying soundtrack helped popularize reggae in the United States.

Musically, Cliff was best known for works such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Many Rivers to Cross, "The Harder They Come,” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” as well as several prominent covers, including "I Can See Clearly Now" and "Hakuna Matata."

"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," Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holmes wrote on X/Twitter.

"His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today. We give thanks for his life, his contribution, and the pride he brought to Jamaica. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and to every Jamaican, I know we feel this loss deeply."