Johnny Nash death: I Can See Clearly Now singer dies aged 80
Reggae and pop artist spent his later years transferring analogue recordings to digital formats
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Legendary performer Johnny Nash has died at the age of 80.
The singer-songwriter behind the 1972 hit “I Can See Clearly Now” had been in declining health in recent months, his son told CBS Los Angeles.
The reggae and pop musician made his major debut in 1957 with the single, “A Teenager Sings the Blues”, after making his start singing at the Progressive New Hope Baptist Church.
The first non-Jamaican singer to record reggae in Kingston, Jamaica, Nash had spent the latter half of his career working with Grammy-winning engineers to transfer analogue tapes of his recordings from the 1970s and 1980s to digital formats, according to his website.
His first hit was a cover of Doris Day's “A Very Special Love” in the late 1950s, but he was best known for “I Can See Clearly Now”, which sold more than one million copies and reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. Reaching number 1 on 4 November, it remained there for the next four weeks.
He also found success with the hits “Hold Me Tight” in 1968, which broke the top 5 in both the US and the Uk, and a 1971 cover of Bob Marley's “Stir It Up”.
“I feel that music is universal. Music is for the ears and not the age,” Nash told Cameron Crowe, then writing for Zoo World Magazine, in a 1973 interview.
“There are some people who say that they hate music. I’ve run into a few, but I’m not sure I believe them.”
Among the early fans to pay tribute was actor John Cusack, who remarked that “2020 is the worst” before tweeted: “Rest, sir.”
He added: “Thank you Mr Nash – for all the love in your music – and for letting us use your great song. RIP.”
Nash is survived by his wife Carli and son Johnny.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments