On Monday, a heartfelt message was shared by his family on his social media accounts, revealing that he had passed away due to a “seizure followed by pneumonia.” Further details surrounding his death have not been disclosed.
The announcement expressed gratitude to his global fanbase, saying, “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.”
His rise to fame gained momentum in the latter half of the 1960s, leading to a contract with Island Records, a premier name in the reggae music industry.
Despite Island’s founder, Chris Blackwell, attempting to introduce him to rock audiences without much success, he still managed to capture the hearts of new listeners over time.
Among his hits was a rendition of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World,” and he soared into the UK top 10 with the inspiring “Wonderful World, Beautiful People.” His impactful protest anthem, “Vietnam,” was partially motivated by a friend’s harrowing return from the war.
His achievements as a recording artist and vibrant concert performer caught the attention of Henzell, who pursued a meeting to convincingly offer him a role.
“You know, I think you’re a better actor than singer,” Cliff remembered him saying.
Aware that The Harder They Come could be a breakthrough for Jamaican cinema, he openly wished for stardom, although Cliff remained surprised by how well known he became.
“Back in those days there were few of us African descendants who came through the cracks to get any kind of recognition,” he told The Guardian in 2021.
“It was easier in music than movies. But when you start to see your face and name on the side of the buses in London that was like: ‘Wow, what’s going on?’”
