Jimmy Cliff: Reggae Legend of The Harder They Come Dies at 81

Jimmy Cliff was a Jamaican singer, songwriter and actor, one of the pioneers who brought reggae to the world. Born James Ezekiel Chambers on July 30, 1944, in Saint James, Jamaica, he started writing songs while still in primary school and had his first hit, "Hurricane Hattie," at 17.

Cliff starred in the film The Harder They Come (1972), Jamaica's first major commercial film, whose soundtrack introduced reggae to international audiences and was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2020. His songs include "Many Rivers to Cross," "You Can Get It If You Really Want," "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" and "Vietnam," which Bob Dylan reportedly called the best protest song he had ever heard.

Cliff won two Grammys for Best Reggae Album, for Cliff Hanger (1985) and Rebirth (2012). His cover of "I Can See Clearly Now" appeared in the film Cool Runnings, and he sang "Hakuna Matata" with Lebo M. He received Jamaica's Order of Merit in 2003 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. He died in Jamaica on November 24, 2025, at age 81, of pneumonia after a seizure.

Achievements: The Harder They Come (1972), two Grammys for Best Reggae Album, Order of Merit of Jamaica (2003), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2010).

Birth: July 30, 1944 - Saint James, Jamaica.

Profession: Singer, songwriter and actor.

Interesting Facts: He and Bob Marley are the only Jamaican artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bruce Springsteen added his song "Trapped" to his live shows.