- Jimmy Cliff (July 30, 1944 – November 24, 2025) was a revered Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and reggae legend, singer, songwriter, and actor. He was a foundational figure in bringing reggae music to a global audience, largely through his starring role in the iconic 1972 film The Harder They Come and its highly influential soundtrack.
- Cliff died at the age of 81 due to a seizure followed by pneumonia, as announced by his wife, Latifa Chambers, in November 2025
- Global Pioneer: Jimmy Cliff was one of the first artists to achieve international stardom with Jamaican music, paving the way for other legends like Bob Marley.
- The Harder They Come: His performance as the lead character, Ivanhoe Martin, in the 1972 film was considered “riveting and authentic”. The soundtrack, which featured his hits “Many Rivers to Cross”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, and the title track, is credited with introducing reggae to a worldwide audience and remains a cultural landmark.
- Major Hits: Beyond the film, he had several global hits, including “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”, his cover of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World”, and his successful cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” for the Cool Runnings film soundtrack, which became a US Top 20 hit.
- Awards and Honors: Cliff was a two-time Grammy winner and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. He also received Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the highest honor the Jamaican government can grant for achievements in the arts and sciences.
- Influence: His music, known for its social commentary, hope, and resilience, has influenced artists across many genres, including Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and The Rolling Stones. Bob Dylan once called Cliff’s anti-war song “Vietnam” the “greatest protest song ever written”.
