The singer, Jamaican actor and global reggae icon, Jimmy Cliff, one of the first music stars that the island gave, died this Monday at 81 years according to various international media reports.
It was his wife, Latifa Chambers, who announced this unfortunate news through his social networks, with a big message of thanks.
“It is with deep sadness that I share with you that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has died due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am grateful to his family, friends, fellow artists and co-workers who have shared their path with him. To all your fans around the world, know that your support was his strength throughout his career”, Chambers posted on his Facebook account.
Born andl 30 July 1944 in Saint James (Jamaica), James Chambers, his real name, He began participating in musical competitions from a very young age and at 17 years his career took off with “Hurricane Hattie” after convincing the Chinese producer Leslie Kong to record his first songs.
In the middle of the 60 He was recruited by the Island Records label and moved to the United Kingdom., with the idea of turning him into a music star. They are consecration came in 1969 with his self-titled album, containing classics like “Many Rivers to Cross”, “Vietnam” Y “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”.
And then, in 1972, further boosted his career by starring in the film “They Harder The Come” (The harder the fall will be), a police drama considered a turning point in Jamaican cinema.
Your visit to Chile
In 1969 Jimmy Cliff visited Chile to perform at the tenth version of the Viña del Mar Song Festival, along with other international artists such as Leonardo Favio and Mirtha Pérez.
“Delgado, with curly hair and tan skin, Jimmy has become, on these days, in another of the gifts of the good girls who night after night give the youthful flavor to the Song Festival. “It's loving”, we heard one of them say. and himself, personally, he likes blondes. He already has one “blondie” What awaits you in foggy London. Her name is Marlene and he gave her two of the four gold rings that she wears on her dark hands.”, It is part of the review that the magazine dedicated to him on that occasion Screen.
“What do I do besides sing?? Well, I practice boxing and swimming, I play guitar and piano. I like to smoke blonde cigarettes and drink a few sips of whiskey in my downtime.. In life I have been a 'self-made man', everything I've done, until now, I always did it on my own, by myself”, he emphasizes in that interview.
Distinctions and awards
He was awarded multiple distinctions throughout his career.. In 1986 won his first Grammy for the album “Cliff Hanger”, becoming the second artist to win this category which was introduced in 1985.
further, He is one of the few musicians, with Bob Marley, who has been awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit.
In 2010 He was inducted into the United States Rock and Roll Hall of Fame., positioning himself as one of the great legends of reggae. Year 2013 won his second Grammy thanks to the album Rebirth, consolidating his career internationally.
Jimmy Cliff is without a doubt, one of the most influential figures in reggae, that will be remembered in time for its impact, work and recognition in culture.
