Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached joy, defiance and resilience in his classics, has died at 81. Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death on social media on Monday, adding that the cause was a seizure followed by pneumonia.

Jimmy Cliff has crossed his final river. The great Jamaican singer and songwriter has died aged 81.

With hits like “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “The Harder They Come,” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” Cliff reached worldwide success and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fam...