Jimmy Cliff, the singer-songwriter who was a presence at the birth of modern Jamaican music and helped spread the influence of reggae around the world through his albums and starring role in the landmark film , has died. He was 81.

"It's with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia," his wife, Latifa, said in a Facebook post from Cliff's official account.

"I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and co-workers 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," she added.

Cliff was arguably the most important artist in the genre's history. An oft-told story involves Cliff accompanying another teen who w

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