Remembering Jimmy Cliff: A Legacy of Reggae and Resilience

The reggae world is in mourning as we prepare for the official funeral service of the Hon. Dr. Jimmy Cliff OM, set to take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. This tribute is not just a farewell; it’s a celebration of a man whose music and spirit have profoundly shaped Jamaica’s cultural landscape.

I recently spoke with Louis “Lou Lou” Grant, a respected media executive and a true aficionado of Jamaican music. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Grant serves as executive vice president and executive producer at Irie Jam Media. His insights into Cliff’s life reveal the depth of the reggae icon’s impact.

The news of Jimmy Cliff’s passing hit Grant hard, especially following a year filled with challenges for Jamaica, including the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. “It felt like the last of the ‘bad luck afflictions’ for the country,” he reflected. Yet, the loss of Cliff resonated even deeper, marking the end of an era.

Cliff’s journey began long before he became a household name. From his performance at the 1964 New York World’s Fair to his unforgettable appearance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live in 1976, Cliff was always at the crossroads of history and culture. Grant emphasized the significance of Cliff’s role in the film The Harder They Come, where he played Ivan, a character that embodied rebellion and resilience. “That movie was a major vehicle that fast-tracked reggae’s global popularity,” he noted.

Cliff’s accolades are numerous, including Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Yet, it’s his personal interactions that left a lasting impression on Grant. He reminisced about Cliff’s visits to the Irie Jam studios, where the reggae legend shared pre-released tracks, showcasing his generosity and passion for music.

“Jimmy Cliff was a relatively private and quiet soul,” Grant shared, highlighting Cliff’s spiritual nature and discipline. These qualities shone through during studio sessions, where Cliff’s enthusiasm for his craft was palpable. Grant recalled a memorable moment when he heard a pre-released track from Cliff’s Black Magic album, a moment that felt almost prophetic in hindsight.

As we reflect on Cliff’s legacy, it’s clear that his music transcended mere entertainment. Songs like “Many Rivers to Cross” and “You Can Get It If You Really Want” carry messages of hope and resilience, especially poignant in the wake of recent hardships in Jamaica. Grant pointed out the irony of Cliff’s roots in St. James, a place that symbolizes overcoming adversity, much like the themes in his songs.

Even in his passing, Cliff’s spirit continues to resonate. Grant noted that Cliff’s voice is woven into the identity of Irie Jam Radio, a reminder of the joy and energy he brought to the world. “When DJ Roy played our theme featuring his voice, he was so excited. It showed his humility,” Grant recalled.

As we prepare to say goodbye to this national treasure, we are reminded of the profound impact Jimmy Cliff has had on reggae and the global music scene. His journey from a small town in Jamaica to international stardom is a testament to resilience and the power of music to unite and inspire.

“Walk good, Dr. Cliff,” Grant concluded, leaving us with a sense of gratitude for a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for generations to come. How will we carry forward the spirit of resilience that Cliff embodied?