Jimmy Cliff

Known for helping reggae reach audiences beyond Jamaica, Jimmy Cliff was a Jamaican singer and songwriter who worked in ska, rocksteady, reggae, and soul. Born in Saint James, Jamaica, he started writing songs in primary school and broke through at 17 with Hurricane Hattie, produced by Leslie Kong. He later joined Island Records and relocated to the United Kingdom, and his 1967 international debut album Hard Road to Travel earned strong reviews. His many songs included Many Rivers to Cross, Wonderful World, Beautiful People, and Vietnam. In 1972 he starred in Perry Henzell's The Harder They Come, the first major commercial film from Jamaica, whose soundtrack helped spread reggae globally. He also co-starred in the comedy Club Paradise (1986) and contributed songs to its soundtrack. He won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album, for Cliff Hanger and Rebirth, and was nominated seven times. He joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 and died in 2025.