Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff was born
On this day in history April 1, 1948, one of Jamaica’s legendary music icons, Jimmy Cliff, OM was born. Cliff was born James Chambers in Somerton District, St. James.
To know reggae and ska music is to know the sweet sound of the legend. Actor and singer Cliff is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the guitar, piano, conga, and the keyboard and, of course, does vocals. Cliff has been a trailblazer for many other artists not only in the Caribbean but internationally as well.
A few of his hits include “Many Rivers to Cross,” You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “The Harder They Come,” “Reggae Night,” and “I Can See Clearly Now.”
In September 2009, he was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On 15 December 2009, he was officially announced as an inductee and was inducted on 15 March 2010 by Wyclef Jean.
Cliff is a two – time Grammy Award winner. His first award was in 1985 with his album Cliff Hanger and in 2010, his album “Rebirth” won best Reggae album. He is currently the only living musician to hold the Order of Merit; the highest honor granted by the Jamaican government for achievements in the arts and sciences.
