Jamaicans in the New York diaspora are today mourning the passing of legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter, and actor Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers, whose career spanned more than six decades.
Jimmy, along with compatriots Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh, helped to introduce reggae and Jamaica’s cultural identity to the world with hard-hitting anthems like The Harder They Come, Many Rivers to Cross, and You Can Get It If You Really Want, which became the soundtrack of the lives of generations of music fans globally.
Tributes celebrating Cliff’s life poured in from Kingston to New York from those who knew him personally and those whose lives were touched by his infectious and potent music.
U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, whose parents were Jamaican immigrants, spoke of Cliff’s global significance. “We were fortunate to have Jimmy with us for all these decades. You always feel the gravity of the loss of an icon of this magnitude,” she said.
Clarke hailed Cliff as an ambassador for Jamaica. “He helped to lift Jamaica into the international arena and reggae music as a national export of the nation… People here in the U.S. are feeling the loss,” she noted.
His film The Harder They Come, she said, remains one of her all-time favorites.
“The Harder They Come is absolutely my favorite song that Jimmy recorded,” Clarke shared.
To his family, Clarke extended heartfelt sympathy. “From the people of the 9th Congressional District of New York… we express our profound condolences. He leaves a legacy for all of us to cherish, and it is our goal to make sure the name Jimmy Cliff resonates for generations to come.”
“Jimmy is a national treasure and an icon,” declared Jamaican reggae ambassador Richie Stephens.
“Jimmy taught us about the business of music, both how to perform on stage and how to conduct ourselves,” he added, noting that Cliff’s impact is immeasurable.
“Jimmy Cliff is a pioneer, somebody that we truly love and admire throughout the years. It’s such a sad day for Jamaica, for the entire reggae industry… Reggae music has certainly lost one of our greatest ever. Jimmy is gone but will never be forgotten. RIP.”
New York business entrepreneur Michael Williams, CEO of the popular Outside Lounge summer lime and the Eye Collection clothing brand, was at a loss for words when he heard the news of Cliff’s passing.
“I recalled Jimmy Cliff’s song titled ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ when word of his death was first announced. I said to my friend who I was talking to at the time, ‘I really believe the words of that song. It was the soundtrack of my life; that’s why I’m always trying.’ As the song says, ‘you must try, try and try, you’ll succeed at last.’ Yep. I will not stop trying,” he reiterated.
A legal mind with a personal bond
Jamaican-born New York attorney Merrick J. Dammar, Esq., who shared a close relationship with Cliff, remembered him with deep affection. “There will forever be a part of Jimmy that will resonate and remain with my family for time to come,” he said.
As godfather to Dammar’s son Markhus and the first entertainer to ever perform at his Emandee Acres property in upstate New York, Cliff established a standard of excellence and generosity.
Dammar also holds a priceless artifact of Cliff’s history — his first guitar, which was gifted to him many years ago.
“As he presented it to me he stated, ‘Bob Marley’s guitar is with me. Mine is with you. Take good care of her, she made me famous.’”
He added poignantly, “Rest my brother… you have crossed your last river leaving us with the reminder that we live in a WONDERFUL WORLD WITH BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.”
A Bronx restaurateur reflects on Jimmy Cliff’s influence
Kerith Mair, CEO of the Dumpling Cove restaurant in the Bronx, spoke candidly of Cliff’s music as a lifelong source of upliftment.
“I always saw Jimmy Cliff from the early days as a cultural singer… a cultural icon,” Mair said.
He recalled a powerful performance by Jimmy at MetroTech in Brooklyn years ago.
“I saw him on the stage. It was electrifying… That memory will never leave me. No other performer has left that kind of memory on me,” he shared.
Mair said The Harder They Come held deep personal meaning.
“We all go through trials and tribulations… The song reminded me that if you can keep standing and doing your best, you can overcome it.”
His message to Cliff’s family captured the shared sentiment of many admirers.
“Every once in a while, someone passes through this earth that makes the earth a little better… That’s how I see Jimmy Cliff.”
Jimmy Cliff’s legacy
Musicologist Winston “Stan” Smith underscored Cliff’s role in shaping Jamaica’s cultural identity. “Jimmy Cliff’s legacy is secure. Like brand Jamaica, his musical accomplishments punched above his weight. The world knew and loved the rich tapestry of Ska, Rock Steady and Reggae because of Jimmy Cliff.”
The life of a legend
Jimmy was born in Somerton, St. James. His starring role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come and its soundtrack ignited global interest in reggae and Jamaican culture. His music carried messages of resilience, hope, and social consciousness that connected with audiences across continents.
As tributes continue from every corner of the world, one truth remains clear: Jimmy Cliff did not just make music, he made history. Among his biggest musical accomplishments were his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 and being conferred with the Order of Merit by the Government of Jamaica. And though he has crossed his “last river,” as Merrick Dammar said, his voice, his spirit, and his message will continue to flow for generations to come.
