Johnny Nash, best known for his hit single "I Can See Clearly Now," has died at 80. The singer-songwriter passed away on Tuesday at his home in Houston, Texas, from natural causes, his son, John Nash, confirmed to CNN.
Nash kicked off his musical career in the 1950s. In 1965, he and Danny Sims founded their own recording label, JAD Records, which later signed Bob Marley and his emerging band, The Wailers. At the same time, Nash worked on honing his own skills as a singer and songwriter. The hard work paid off when he wrote "I Can See Clearly Now," which made it to No.1 on the Billboard charts in 1972, and remained there for four weeks.
Jamaican reggae hitmaker Jimmy Cliff later brought the song back to the charts after recording it for the 1993 film "Cool Runnings."
In addition to music, Nash also dabbled in acting early in his career. He appeared in the screen version of playwright Louis S. Peterson’s "Take a Giant Step" and won a Silver Sail Award for his performance from the Locarno International Film Festival, according to his biography.
Upon hearing news of his death, several celebrities took to social media to honor his memory. Among them was singer Boy George.
"R.I.P to the reggae legend Johnny Nash. One of the artists who made me fall in love with lovers rock and reggae music in the early 70s," he tweeted. "So many amazing tunes and a voice like silk. I have never really known a time with reggae music. He was one of the greatest."
John Cusack also mourned Nash's death.
"Thank you mr Nash - for all the love in your music - and for letting us use your great song - RIP Johnny Nash," he tweeted.
"Rest in peace Johnny Nash," added actress and singer Holly Robinson Peete.