Cliff, born James Chambers in St. Catherine back in ’44, was one of those rare voices who helped shape the whole reggae story. Six decades on the road, in the studio, and on stages from Kingston to Tokyo turned him into a true ambassador of the culture. Most people first met him through songs like You Can Get It If You Really Want, The Harder They Come, Wonderful World, Beautiful People, I Can See Clearly Now, and Many Rivers to Cross. Tunes soaked in heart, struggle, and faith, the kind of songs that help you keep moving.

His role in The Harder They Come changed everything. That 1972 film didn’t just make Cliff a star. It pulled reggae out of the local scene and into global consciousness. Cliff’s performance, both on screen and on the soundtrack, became a gateway for countless fans discovering Jamaican music for the first time. His sound blended reggae with soul and pop, and that mix helped him break through in places where few Jamaican artists had ever reached.

Jimmy Cliff collected some serious honors along the way: induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 and Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the country’s highest cultural award.

Jimmy Cliff showed the world what Jamaican music could do. He carried hope in his voice, strength in his lyrics, and Jamaica in his heart. His passing closes a chapter, but the songs he left behind will keep guiding us for a long, long time.

Rest in Power, Jimmy!

(Photo courtesy of Wounded Bird Records)