John Lester Nash Jr. (August 19, 1940 – October 6, 2020) was an American singer-songwriter, best known in the United States for his 1972 hit “I Can See Clearly Now”. Primarily a reggae and pop singer, he was one of the first non-Jamaican artists to record reggae music in Kingston.
I Can See Clearly Now
Nash’s 1972 reggae influenced single “I Can See Clearly Now” sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in November 1972. “I Can See Clearly Now” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 4, 1972, and remained atop the chart for four weeks, and also spent the same four weeks atop the adult contemporary chart.
Acting career
Nash has four acting credits in film and television. In 1959, he had the lead role as Spencer Scott in Take a Giant Step, directed by Philip Leacock, one of the first black family films written by a black writer. In 1960 he appeared as “Apple” alongside Dennis Hopper in the crime drama Key Witness. In 1971, he played Robert in the Swedish romance Vill så gärna tro.
Johnny Nash Cause of Death
Johnny Nash died of natural causes at his home in Houston on October 6, 2020. Johnny Nash was 80 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his son Johnny Jr., daughter, Monica, and wife, Carli Nash.
Johnny Nash – I Can See Clearly Now (1972) Clip – VHS
Johnny Nash – I Can See Clearly Now