Jimmy Cliff facts for kids

James Chambers, known to the world as Jimmy Cliff, is a famous Jamaican musician, singer, and actor. He was born on July 30, 1944. Jimmy Cliff is known for his amazing music styles like ska, rocksteady, reggae, and soul. He is the only living reggae artist to have received the Order of Merit. This is the highest award given by the Jamaican government for achievements in arts and sciences.

Many people know Jimmy Cliff for his popular songs. These include "Many Rivers to Cross", "You Can Get It If You Really Want", and "Reggae Night". He also sang "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King. He made famous cover songs like Cat Stevens's "Wild World". He also covered Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now" from the movie Cool Runnings. Jimmy Cliff also starred in the movie The Harder They Come. This film helped make reggae music popular all over the world. In 2010, Jimmy Cliff was honored by being added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Jimmy Cliff was born James Chambers in Saint James, Colony of Jamaica, on July 30, 1944. He started writing songs when he was still in primary school. He would listen to music from a neighbor's sound system. When James was 14, he moved to Kingston with his father. There, he decided to use the stage name Jimmy Cliff.

A Career in Music and Film

Starting Out in the 1960s

Jimmy Cliff tried to get his songs recorded while he was still in school. He also entered many talent shows. One day, he met Leslie Kong, who was closing his record store. Jimmy convinced Kong to start a recording business with him. After a couple of songs that weren't very popular, his career took off. His song "Hurricane Hattie" became a hit when he was 17. Leslie Kong produced this song, and Jimmy worked with him until Kong's death in 1971.

Later, Jimmy Cliff had more local hits in Jamaica. These included "King of Kings" and "Miss Jamaica". In 1964, he was chosen to represent Jamaica at the World's Fair in New York. He also appeared in a TV show called "This is Ska!".

Soon after, he signed with Island Records and moved to the United Kingdom. His first international album was Hard Road to Travel, released in 1967. It received great reviews. The album included the song "Waterfall," which became a hit in Brazil.

In 1969, he released "Wonderful World, Beautiful People". Then, in 1970, came "Vietnam". Both songs were popular around the world. Even Bob Dylan said "Vietnam" was the best protest song he had ever heard.

Reggae's Rise to Fame in the 1970s

In 1972, Jimmy Cliff starred in the famous reggae film, The Harder They Come. He played the main character, Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin. The film tells the story of Ivan, a young man who comes to Kingston from the countryside. He tries to make it in the music business but faces many challenges. The soundtrack album for the film was a huge success. It sold well globally and introduced reggae music to many new listeners. This movie is still one of the most important films from Jamaica.

After making several albums, Jimmy Cliff took a break. He traveled to Africa and explored different spiritual paths. He later described his outlook on life as "universal."

Success in the 1980s and 1990s

Jimmy Cliff quickly returned to music. He toured for several years and even recorded with Kool & the Gang. In 1984, he performed at the Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands. Bruce Springsteen and his band started playing Jimmy Cliff's song "Trapped" in their live shows. This song became very well-known when it was included on the 1985 charity album We Are the World.

His next album, Cliff Hanger (1985), won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. In 1985, Jimmy Cliff also helped with the song "Sun City". This was a protest song against apartheid in South Africa.

He also sang backing vocals on The Rolling Stones' 1986 album Dirty Work. He appeared in the comedy movie Club Paradise with Robin Williams. He sang several songs for the movie's soundtrack. In 1988, his song "Shelter of Your Love" was in the film Cocktail.

In 1990, Jimmy Cliff appeared in the film Marked for Death. He performed "John Crow" with his band. His song "You Can Get It If You Really Want" was used as a campaign song in Nicaragua in 1990. In 1991, he performed at the second Rock in Rio festival in Brazil.

He continued to be popular in Jamaica and the UK. He returned to the mainstream pop charts in the U.S. and other places in 1993. This was with his version of Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now" from the Cool Runnings movie soundtrack. In 1995, Cliff released "Hakuna Matata" with Lebo M. This song was from the soundtrack of The Lion King.

From 2000 to Today

Jimmy Cliff performing in Bildein, Austria, 2012

In 2001, Jimmy Cliff became a judge for the Independent Music Awards. In 2002, he released the album Fantastic Plastic People in Europe. This album included songs with famous artists like Joe Strummer, Annie Lennox, and Sting. In 2004, he released Black Magic, which had a more electronic sound.

Jimmy Cliff performed at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. In 2003, his song "You Can Get It If You Really Want" was in the movie Something's Gotta Give. The Jamaican government honored him on October 20, 2003. They gave him The Order of Merit for his contributions to Jamaican film and music.

In 2007, Cliff performed at the opening ceremony of the Cricket World Cup. In 2010, he toured the U.S. and Canada. In September 2009, he was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted on March 15, 2010, by Wyclef Jean.

Jimmy Cliff performing at Raggamuffin Music Festival

In 2011, Jimmy Cliff worked with producer Tim Armstrong on the EP The Sacred Fire. They also made the full album Rebirth. Rebirth won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Rolling Stone magazine listed it as one of the top albums of 2012. They praised his soulful voice and how he mixed different music styles.

In December 2012, the Caribbean Journal named Jimmy Cliff Artist of the Year. This was because of his great work on Rebirth. In August 2022, Jimmy Cliff released his latest album, Refugees.

Personal Life

Jimmy Cliff has a "universal outlook on life." He believes in science and does not follow any single religion. He is married and has two daughters, Lilty Cliff and Nabiyah Be, and a son, Aken Cliff.

Music Releases

Jimmy Cliff has released many albums and singles throughout his career. Some of his notable albums include Hard Road to Travel (1967), The Harder They Come (1972 soundtrack), Cliff Hanger (1985), and Rebirth (2012). His singles like "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" and "I Can See Clearly Now" have been very successful worldwide.

See also

In Spanish: Jimmy Cliff para niños

• Caribbean music in the United Kingdom
• List of Jamaicans
• List of reggae musicians
• List of singer-songwriters