By now, the news of reggae icon Jimmy Cliff’s death at 81 has been reported across the world. Outlets from Rolling Stone to The Guardian and The Washington Post have confirmed the passing of the reggae pioneer, whose wife, Latifa Chambers, shared that he died from a seizure followed by pneumonia. (Rolling Stones, Guardian, Washington Post) As tributes pour in and the global music community reflects on Cliff’s enormous impact — from his 1972 song, “The Harder They Come” to his genre-bridging protest anthems — at the pier we wanted to take a more focused approach.
Background on Jimmy Cliff
Born James Chambers in Jamaica, Jimmy Cliff began writing songs as a teenager before moving to Kingston to pursue music, a journey that placed him at the heart of Jamaica’s burgeoning ska and rocksteady scenes. Britannica notes that his breakthrough came early: by 1962, at just 14, he had released multiple singles and caught the attention of producer Leslie Kong, leading to hits like “Hurricane Hattie” and “Miss Jamaica.”Cliff’s international impact expanded dramatically in the late ’60s and early ’70s. His starring role as Ivan Martin in the 1972 film The Harder They Come helped ignite global interest in reggae, with The Washington Post calling the film “a turning point in reggae’s international visibility” and Rolling Stone crediting Cliff as one of reggae’s first global ambassadors. His mix of protest music, spiritually infused ballads, and crossover pop hits made him a rare figure who could move comfortably between Jamaica’s grassroots sounds and international stages. In 2010, his contributions were recognized with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Rather than revisiting the entire arc of his life and career, we want to honor Cliff through the songs that defined him: the tracks that carried Jamaica’s stories to the world, shaped reggae’s evolution, and influenced generations of artists.
10 Essential Jimmy Cliff Songs
“The Harder They Come” (1972)
The title track from the landmark film of the same name is arguably the single most important gateway into reggae for global audiences. Cliff’s vocal performance is both defiant and vulnerable, embodying the film’s story of resistance and ambition. Its impact cannot be overstated: it helped spark reggae’s worldwide rise and solidified Cliff’s role as one of the genre’s earliest ambassadors.“Many Rivers to Cross” (1969)
Written during a period of profound struggle and displacement in the UK, this gospel-tinged ballad remains one of Cliff’s most emotionally resonant works. His soaring delivery captures the loneliness of searching for one’s place in the world. Today it stands as one of reggae’s most enduring classics, covered by dozens of major artists across genres- “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” (1969)
This bright, hopeful single became one of Cliff’s earliest international hits, offering an idealistic vision of unity during a turbulent era. Its vibrant arrangement and uplifting message resonated globally, helping introduce Cliff’s voice beyond Jamaica. The song’s optimism continues to make it a staple of Cliff’s catalog. - “You Can Get It If You Really Want” (1970)
A timeless anthem of perseverance, this track embodies Cliff’s gift for merging motivational clarity with infectious melody. Though written by Desmond Dekker, Cliff’s version carries a warmth and conviction that made it a signature song in his repertoire. Decades later, it remains synonymous with self-determination and optimism. - “Vietnam” (1969)
A searing indictment of the Vietnam War, this track is one of the earliest examples of reggae as global protest music. Bob Dylan famously praised it as the greatest protest song he had ever heard, underscoring its cultural weight. Cliff’s clear-eyed storytelling brought international urgency to the injustices of war long before mainstream American artists did. - “Sitting in Limbo” (1971)
A contemplative and spiritually searching track, “Sitting in Limbo” reflects the uncertainty that defined Cliff’s early career abroad. The song’s steady groove and melancholic tone give voice to the feeling of waiting for life to shift. Its introspective quality has helped it endure as one of his most soulful compositions. - “Wild World” (1970)
Cliff’s reggae reimagining of Cat Stevens’ hit brought the song into a new cultural space and introduced Cliff to broader UK audiences. His version swaps the folk fragility of the original for a lilting, island-infused warmth. The cover became a chart success in its own right and expanded Cliff’s global reach. - “Reggae Night” (1983)
A shimmering, dance-ready single from the 1980s, “Reggae Night” showed Cliff’s ability to adapt to new sonic eras while retaining his signature charm. The track’s polished production and infectious chorus helped it become a major international hit. Its success reaffirmed Cliff’s longevity in the evolving reggae-pop landscape. - “I Can See Clearly Now” (1993)
Cliff’s version of Johnny Nash’s classic surged back into mainstream popularity thanks to its placement in the hit film Cool Runnings. His bright, soulful interpretation introduced him to a new generation in the 1990s. The track remains one of his most recognizable songs, continuing to surface in film, television, and cultural memory. - “Struggling Man” (1972)
A deep cut that has grown in stature over the years, “Struggling Man” distills Cliff’s lifelong themes of resilience, community, and perseverance. Its lyrics speak directly to the fight for dignity and survival faced by marginalized people across the world. Critics frequently cite it as one of his most powerful and underrated works.
A Voice That Spanned Oceans
Jimmy Cliff’s work sits at the intersection of cultural memory and global consciousness. His songs were vehicles of resistance and joy — bridges between Jamaica and the rest of the world. As Rolling Stone wrote, he was “one of reggae’s greatest singers and ambassadors.” Though his passing has been widely reported, his story is ultimately best told through the music itself: though these are just ten songs, these provide snapshots of a once-in-a-century artist whose voice, spirit, and message will continue to echo across generations.
