Reggae Pioneer Jimmy Cliff Dies at 81

Jamaican reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff died on Monday at the age of 81, his family announced. The musician and actor, whose work helped introduce reggae to global audiences, succumbed to a seizure followed by pneumonia.

His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news in a statement on Instagram, signed by their children, Lilty and Aken. "It's with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia," she 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. Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes." Chambers also expressed gratitude to the medical staff who cared for him and requested privacy during this time.

Born James Chambers in 1944 in Saint James, Jamaica, Cliff moved to Kingston as a teenager and launched his career in the 1960s. He adopted his stage name and began working with producer Leslie Kong, releasing his first hit, "Hurricane Hattie," at age 14. Early successes blended ska, pop and emerging reggae influences,...