Crossing the Final River: Farewell to Jimmy Cliff and thank you for the music!
It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Jimmy Cliff, who left us on today at the age of 81.
For fans of ska, reggae and Jamaican popular music, Jimmy Cliff was a towering figure and a bridge between Jamaica’s vibrant musical roots and an international audience.
Born James Chambers, Jimmy Cliff was born on 30 July 1944 in St. James Parish, Jamaica. He first cut his teeth in Kingston and recorded his early hit “Hurricane Hattie” at around age 17.
From the outset his music was rooted in the very traditions that define Jamaican music history from ska to rocksteady and then reggae. Although he is most often celebrated for his reggae contributions, his formative years were steeped in the energy of ska and early Jamaican rhythms.
In 1972, as the star of the landmark film The Harder They Come, he helped export Jamaican music culture to the world. His performance in the film and the accompanying soundtrack served as one of the major gateways for non-Jamaican audiences to experience reggae and its social-cultural roots.
Personally, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Jimmy live in 2015, and he was an absolute colossus on stage. A night I’ll never forget.
For the ska lover, Jimmy Cliff’s music is part of our DNA. It’s a reminder that our music began in a place of community, resistance, hope and celebration.
Though he has gone, his songs remain and his spirit walks with us. Thank you, Jimmy…Rest in peace.
