What Was Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death?
The music world is mourning after news broke that Jamaican singer, actor, and reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff has died. He was 81.
The sad news was confirmed on Nov. 24, via Instagram in a lengthy post by his wife, Latifa Chambers.
The statement read in part: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace.”
Here’s how others in the industry have reacted following Cliff’s death, plus a few things you didn’t know about the reggae icon, including his net worth.
What was Jimmy Cliff’s net worth when he died?
Jimmy Cliff was born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in St. James, Jamaica. He became interested in music at an early age and began writing and recording songs, hoping to garner interest from producers. Finally, he captured the attention of reggae producer Leslie Kong and recorded his first single, “Hurricane Hattie.”
Cliff then signed with Island Records and eventually turned out several tracks, including the hits “Hard Road to Travel,” “The Harder They Come,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” and the protest song “Vietnam.”
He is widely credited with popularizing reggae music and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, joining Bob Marley as the only other reggae artist to receive the honor.
In addition to his music, Cliff was known for his starring role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come.
Cliff had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Reactions to Jimmy Cliff’s death
Following the news of Cliff’s passing, many who knew and looked up to him reacted and sent their condolences to his loved ones via social media.
The British reggae group UB40 took to X.com shortly after the news broke, posting, “RIP Jimmy Cliff. So very sad to hear that the music icon and original reggae superstar, Jimmy Cliff, has died aged 81. He finally crossed over the last river. RIP Jimmy, your music will live forever.”
UB40’s lead singer Ali Campbell followed that up with a post of his own, sharing, “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about the passing of a Reggae forefather Jimmy Cliff. A true foundation, a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world. Rest Easy King.”
Producer and songwriter Mark Batson wrote, “Dream in eternity Mr. Jimmy Cliff. Thank you for every word and every lesson you taught me.”
The Prime Minister of Cliff’s native Jamaica, Andrew Holness, expressed his sorrow in a post on X, writing, “Today, Jamaica pauses to honour the life of the Honourable Jimmy Cliff, OM, a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world. Through timeless songs like ‘Many Rivers to Cross,’ ‘The Harder They Come,’ ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want,’ and ‘Sitting in Limbo,’ Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul. His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.
“We give thanks for his life, his contribution, and the pride he brought to Jamaica. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and to every Jamaican. I know we feel this loss deeply. Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on in every corner of our island and in the hearts of the Jamaican people.”
Cliff leaves behind his wife and three children, Nabiyah Be, Lilty, and Aken.
