Submitted by Michael Williams
“My first record I ever purchased – the 45 of The Harder They Come.”
Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff, a/k/a James Chambers has died at the age of 81.
The passing of Jimmy Cliff signals the end of an era. Jimmy Cliff made history bringing reggae to the world:
- The Immortal Eternal Prince Buster who worked with Millie Small.
- Mille Small “My Boy Lollipop”. UK # 2 / US #2 Billboard.
- Jimmy Cliff was the statesman and face, sound of Reggae before Bob Marley and the Wailers.
- Jimmy Cliff took reggae to the World’s Fair in NYC in 1964, the same year Millie Small had her hit record, “My Boy Lollipop”.
Jimmy Cliff alone was the one who took reggae to the world and made it famous for decades, He raised the awareness of reggae music worldwide Jimmy Cliff had hits and a timeless film “The Harder They Come “.
His first charted record outside Jamaica, The Harder They Come in 1972 it was the first ever Jamaican film to ever be released outside of Jamaica. The Grammy Awards, in an appraisal of the soundtrack fifty years after the film’s release, wrote that his performance was “riveting and authentic”, while recognizing that parts of the film were based on things Cliff had personally seen. In 2020, the soundtrack was added to the United States Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.
I Can See Clearly Now remains one of the most enduring lines in pop and reggae history, surfacing again in headlines after the death of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff on November 24, 2025. Cliff, who recorded a well-known cover of the song for the 1993 film Cool Runnings, died following a seizure that led to pneumonia. His passing has renewed attention on the song’s long cultural life — from Johnny Nash’s 1972 original to covers, soundtracks and recent remixes. In 1993, Jimmy Cliff’s cover appeared on the Cool Runnings soundtrack and reintroduces the song to a new generation. A modern remix release and renewed streaming interest keep the track in public conversation following Cliff’s death.
Jimmy Cliff influenced music on all levels, and successfully crossed borders between genres. He was a songwriter’s songwriter and singers singer influencing artists everywhere:
- Bob Dylan considered “Vietnam” composed by Jimmy Cliff to be “the greatest protest song ever written” featured on his 1970 debut.
- The Rolling Stones Mick and Keith paid tribute to Jimmy Cliff as a great songwriter, vocalist and performer. Their love for reggae was fostered by Little Steven.
- Southside Johnny in the Ashbury Jukes all became reggae fans and Springsteen recorded Jimmy Cliff’s classic composition, “Trapped “ in August 6th 1984 as t Meadowlands to a packed house. It became a radio and live performance hit!
That amazing voice, bursting with enough emotion is now stilled forever. But we can celebrate his long and glorious career, and his voice will live on in his songs. Quoting one of his hits: Jimmy Cliff actually believed the lyrics of Wonderful World, Beautiful People
Editor’s Note: From the family of Jimmy Cliff:
It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.
Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.
See you and we see you Legend.
Latifa, Lilty and Aken