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‘I Can See Clearly Now’ Singer Johnny Nash Dead at 80

Singer Johnny Nash, best known for his popular hit song “I Can See Clearly Now,” has died. The family of Nash, who was 80, confirmed his death. 

The American reggae and pop music singer-songwriter passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from natural causes at his home in Houston, Texas, his son John confirmed to news outlets. 

Singer Johnny Nash famous for his hit song “I Can See Clearly Now” has died at 80. (photo source: Screenshot from YouTube)

Many people, especially those from the entertainment industry, have already shared their condolences to the late singer and his family on social media, including rap legend Scarface who mourned Nash’s death late Tuesday night on Twitter. “My cousin Johnny Nash ‘I can see clearly now the rain is gone’ has left us to be with the father rest easy big fella,” the rapper wrote. 

Nash began singing when he was just a child and made his break into the music scene in 1957 with his debut single “A Teenager Sings the Blues.” In the 1960s, he and Danny Sims formed JAD Records, and while living in Jamaica, the two signed Bob Marley and other members of the group, The Wailers.

Sims told the Houston Chronicle in 2012 that Nash was a huge fan of reggae music. He added, “And he loved Bob and the guys. He taught Bob how to sing on the mic, and they taught Johnny how to play the reggae rhythm.”

The reggae-influenced hit “I Can See Clearly Now” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on Nov. 4, 1972, and stayed in the top spot for four weeks, according to Billboard. However, by the ’80s, Nash had seemingly disappeared. The singer had stopped recording and performing and rarely spoke to the press or anyone in the music industry. 

Years later, Nash would explain to The Gleaner during a visit to Jamaica that it was “difficult to develop major music projects” without touring and promoting and that he preferred to be with his family. “I think I’ve achieved gratification in terms of the people I’ve had the chance to meet. I never won the Grammy, but I don’t put my faith in things of that nature,” Nash said. He added, “A lifetime body of work I can be proud of is more important to me. And the special folksy blend to the music I make, that’s what it is all about.”

In addition to his son, Nash is survived by his daughter, Monica, and wife Carli Nash.

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