Jimmy Cliff

Legendary reggae-rocker Jimmy Cliff was just inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, after more than 40 years of turning out ska, pop and reggae classics. The Jamaican musician and actor is also the only living musician to hold the Order of Merit, conferred by the Jamaican government upon someone who has achieved “eminent international distinction in the field of science, the arts, literature or any other endeavor.” Cliff helped popularize reggae with his work in the film The Harder They Come, in which he acted and recorded “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” “The Harder They Come” and “Sitting in Limbo” for the soundtrack. He also enjoyed a major hit 21 years later with his cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” for the Cool Runnings soundtrack. In the meantime, Cliff won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album with his 1985 release, Cliff Hanger.

Cliff’s brand new album, Existence, explores the title’s concept. “I tried to touch all aspects of our existence, from global warming to starvation and moving to love and hope, which are still alive and will always be here,” Cliff explained when releasing the record. Throughout, Cliff has toured and performed at countless festivals, and has also continued to pursue his love of film—he hopes to begin shooting his latest screenplay soon.

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