Jimmy Cliff”Reggae Legend Behind ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ Dies at 81 Following Pneumonia

Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, best known for songs including “I Can See Clearly Now” and “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” has died at the age of 81.

The Grammy Award winner’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced the news on his Instagram page on Monday, Nov. 24.

“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.”

Chambers continued, “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated 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,” she added.

Chambers then penned a special note to her husband, calling him “my darling.” “May you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes,” she wrote.

She concluded the post, “I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date. See you, and we see you,u Legend.”

It was signed off with, “Latifa , Lilty, and Aken,” also referencing the singer’s children.

Fans flooded the comments section to pay tribute to the musician, with one writing, “Jamaican music lost one of its greats! #RIP legend 🙏🏾❤️.”

A second added, “🙏🏽✨We Love You Forever ✨Thank you for all that you are, all that you have given to our World within your Music & Love for Humanity 💚 You are a Light Beam … Condolences to the family. Rise In Glorious Power dear Legend #JimmyCliff 🙏🏽🕊🪷🌞.”

Cliff — real name James Chambers — was born in St. James Parish, Jamaica, in 1948.

He began singing in the church at the age of 6 before moving to Kingston in his teens and using the surname Cliff as a reflection of the heights of success he wanted to reach, according to the BBC.

The reggae icon went on to release his debut single, “Hurricane Hattie,” in 1962 and pen hits such as 1969’s “Many Rivers to Cross” and 1972’s “The Harder They Come,” which featured on the soundtrack for the movie of the same name and in which he played the lead role of Ivan Martin.

Cliff’s 1993 cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” also featured on the soundtrack to sports comedy Cool Runnings and reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to Billboard.

He went on to win two Grammy Awards over the course of his career and land seven nominations. His first win came in 1985 for best reggae recording for Cliff Hanger, followed by best reggae album for Rebirth in 2013.

In 2010, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.