Jimmy Cliff (born James Chambers; July 30, 1944 – November 24, 2025) was an iconic Jamaican singer, musician, and actor who was instrumental in bringing reggae music to a global audience. He died at the age of 81 due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.
Early Life and Career
Born in the Somerton District of St. James, Jamaica, Cliff moved to Kingston in his teens to pursue a music career. He adopted the stage name Jimmy Cliff to reflect his ambition to reach the highest “cliffs” of success. His career took off in the early 1960s with local ska hits like “Hurricane Hattie,” produced by Leslie Kong. He later signed with Island Records and moved to the United Kingdom, where he began to gain international recognition with songs such as “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “Vietnam”.
Global Breakthrough: The Harder They Come
Cliff’s starring role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come boosted his global fame. He played Ivanhoe Martin, a character with musical dreams who turns to crime.
Notable Works and Legacy
Cliff released over 30 albums across various genres including ska, rocksteady, reggae, and soul. He was recognized for lyrics addressing social issues.
Awards and Honors
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2010.
- Grammy Awards: Received two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album.
- Order of Merit (OM): Awarded Jamaica’s highest honor.
Personal Life
Cliff converted to Islam in the 1970s and took the name El Hadj Naïm Bachir. He described his perspective as having a “universal outlook”. He was married to Latifa Chambers and had three children.
Jimmy Cliff’s extensive work and influence on music and culture worldwide ensure his lasting legacy.
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