Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers on 30 July 1944 in rural St. Catherine, Jamaica, died today, 24 November 2025, in Kingston at the age of 81 after a seizure followed by pneumonia, as confirmed by his wife, Latifa Chambers. His passing closes the earthly chapter of a man whose voice, songs and screen presence helped carry Jamaican music from village sound systems to the global stage.
Roots in JamaicaJimmy Cliff grew up in Somerton district, St. James Parish, where music and church life intertwined with the everyday struggles of rural Jamaica. As a teenager he moved to Kingston, absorbing the energy of its streets and sound systems while writing songs and chasing a future in music.By 14 he had his first local hit, “Hurricane Hattie,” recorded for producer Leslie Kong, marking him as one ...