Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff is being remembered by his peers and admirers following his death at the age of 81.
In a post on Instagram, the family of Bob Marley, including his son Ziggy, expressed their condolences to Cliff’s family and loved ones as “he makes his transition.” The post noted that Cliff was an “instrumental figure” in Marley’s rise, “having brought him to producer Leslie Kong in 1962 to record his very first singles, ‘Judge Not’ and ‘One Cup of Coffee.’”
The post included a quote from an old interview Marley gave, where he expressed his gratitude for Cliff’s help: “Jimmy was big then because he already had a hit name ‘Hurricane Hattie’ and later ‘Miss Jamaica’ another big one. I really love Jimmy because he always tries to help people out.”
Sean Paul shared a photo of Cliff on Instagram, writing, “R.I.P 2 a real general. He hit them the harder they came. Fly high my G.”
Dancehall great Vybz Kartel offered an all-caps appreciation, calling Cliff a “legendary Jamaican,” “superstar reggae icon,” and “film legend. “ And Shaggy, who shared a photo of himself onstage with Cliff, wrote, “His voice, his message, and his spirit helped shape the soul of reggae music,” adding, “We’ve lost a true icon, but his light and legacy will live on forever.”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness called Cliff a “true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world, adding: 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.”
Yusuf/Cat Stevens — who produced Cliff’s song “Trapped,” after Cliff scored a hit with Stevens’ “Wild World” — praised the reggae great, who “always seems to be there at crucial stages on my journey.” Stevens added, “His songs always had some message of peace — may he find it now and forever.”
The English reggae band UB40 posted on Instagram, ‘So very sad to hear that the music icon and original reggae superstar, Jimmy Cliff has died aged 81. He finally crossed over the last river.” Meanwhile, the band’s frontman, Ali Campbell, wrote, “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about the passing of a Reggae forefather Jimmy Cliff. A true foundation, a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world.”
Filmmaker Benny Safdie also shared a tribute alongside a clip of Cliff singing “The Harder They Come” in the classic 1972 film of the same name. “I don’t know if it’s possible for someone to be more alive than Jimmy Cliff is in this clip from The Harder They Come,” Safdie wrote. “I don’t think I can put into words what this whole record means to me. It’s overwhelming in so many ways, his positivity in the face of sadness… his incredible performance here. He’s still here!”
In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Jorma Kaukonen, guitarist for Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, recalled how the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia introduced him to Cliff’s music when he brought over a copy of The Harder They Come soundtrack. Decades later, he would get to meet Cliff and “tell him how much I loved his work” at a 2015 gig honoring Garcia.
“I’m sure it is not a coincidence that I discovered Jimmy Cliff through Jerry Garcia’s intervention and that thanks to Jerry a lifetime later… I would meet Jimmy and thank him for introducing me to reggae!” Kaukonen wrote. “He was a warm and gracious man indeed and it was an honor to meet one of my musical heroes from an earlier time!”
Garcia’s estate posted a tribute as well, noting the Grateful Dead leader “always carried a deep love” for Cliff’s songs, “and you could feel it every time [the Jerry Garcia Band] played ‘The Harder They Come’ or ‘Sitting in Limbo.’”
Cliff’s family announced his death on Instagram, writing that he “crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.” The family thanked his fans, saying, “Your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”
Along with Totos & the Maytals, Cliff played a pivotal role in popularizing reggae outside Jamaica, especially in England. He’s best known for ska classics like “Miss Jamaica” and “Gold Digger,” the protest song “Vietnam,” and his signature track, “Many Rivers to Cross.”
