The world of music is in mourning following the death of Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor, at the age of 81. His family confirmed the news on Monday 24 November 2025, stating he passed away from a seizure followed by pneumonia.
A Pioneer's Journey from Jamaica to the World
Born James Chambers in Saint James, Jamaica, the artist who would become Jimmy Cliff moved to Kingston as a youth, driven by a dream to make music. In the early 1960s, as Jamaica gained independence, he became a central figure in the burgeoning sound that evolved from ska and rocksteady into reggae. He explained to Spin in 2022 that the genre was "born of the poorer class of people... from the need for recognition, identity and respect."
His career skyrocketed with his role in the 1972 landmark film "The Harder They Come," where he played the aspiring musician turned outlaw, Ivanhoe Martin. The film, delayed for years by funding issues, became a cultural touchstone and a crucial catalyst for reggae's global spread. Its soundtrack is considered one of the greatest ever, featuring four of Cliff's timeless tracks.
An Enduring Musical Legacy
Cliff's music was a powerful blend of defiance, joy, and resilience. His anthems like "You Can Get It If You Really Want" and the weary gospel cry of "Many Rivers to Cross" have inspired millions. He wrote the latter after facing racism in England, a period he described to Rolling Stone as one of fading hopes and deep frustration.
For a time, he rivalled Bob Marley as reggae's most prominent star. His influence was vast: the Sandinistas used his music as a campaign theme, Bruce Springsteen covered his song "Trapped," and artists from John Lennon to Cher performed his work. His career accolades include seven Grammy nominations and two wins for Best Reggae Album, in 1986 for "Cliff Hanger" and in 2012 for "Rebirth." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
A Career That Never Slowed
Even after his peak in the 1970s, Cliff worked steadily for decades. He collaborated with music greats including the Rolling Stones, Sting, and Annie Lennox. He acted in the Robin Williams comedy "Club Paradise" and contributed to the protest anthem "Sun City." He continued releasing new music right up to his 2022 album, "Refugees."
Reflecting on his unexpected fame from "The Harder They Come," Cliff told The Guardian in 2021 of the shock of seeing his face on London buses, a symbol of his breakthrough. His family's statement expressed gratitude, saying, "To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength... He really appreciated each and every fan for their love." The voice of a pioneer may be stilled, but his anthems of endurance will continue to resonate.
