Tori Sheehan
Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers in St. James Parish, Jamaica, on the 30th of July 1944, was the second youngest out of nine children. Coming from in an impoverished community near Montego Bay, Cliff started writing songs and singing at church from a young age. His teacher, Robertha White, recommended that he attend Kingston’s high school, where he would eventually move in the late 1950s. Here, he began going under the name Jimmy Cliff and started participating in talent contests. It was in Kingston where Cliff, who had already released his debut single “I’m Sorry”, met producer Leslie Kong. Leading to a legacy musical duo.
Slow Start to Global Domination
With Kong now working with him, they began working on what would become Jimmy Cliff’s first hit, “Hurricane Hattie”, in 1962. He went on to have a number of local hits, which landed him as the Jamaican representative at the World’s Fair Expo 1964, in New York. This appearance would grab the attention of Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell, who two years later would bring Cliff to London. In the late 1960s, he would sign with Island Records, gaining more popularity in the Western market through releases such as “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “Vietnam”. “Wonderful Word, Beautiful People” would hit No.6 on the UK charts.
Industry to Industry
As he became more globally known due to his music, he had his breakout acting role in 1972 with “The Harder They Come”. Jimmy Cliff played Martin, a boy who moves to Kingston to pursue music, but ends up falling into a life of crime. Not only did he play a role in the movie, but he also produced over half the soundtrack. “The Harder They Come” was the first Jamaican film to attract such global attention
Leaving Legacy
Over the span of six decades, Jimmy Cliff became a household name and an integral part of the globalisation of Jamaican music and film. Producing over 30 albums, including “Rebirth”, “Another Cycle”, “Live” and “Music Maker”. At the time of his death, he was the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit, the highest honour the Jamaican government give for achievements in the arts. Jimmy Cliff is survived by his wife, Latifa Chambers and children Lilty and Aken Cliff.
