Jamaican music icon Jimmy Cliff has passed away at the age of 81.
The singer, whose real name was James Chambers, was born on July 30, 1944 in northwestern Jamaica.
Jimmy’s widow, Latifa Chambers confirmed his death in a statement.
“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career”, she said.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.”, she added.
Latifa wrote a special note for her late husband saying “Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”
The singer rose to global fame in 1960s and brought Jamaican music to world stage.
He gave many hits including Wonderful World, Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want.
The singer also pivoted towards acting as he starred in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come as a gun-toting rebel.
Jimmy was hospitalised following a seizure and eventually passed away from pneumonia.