One of Jamaicas most prolific and innovative performers and a recent
inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jimmy Cliff has been
hailed as the first true superstar of Jamaican music. As a uniquely
talented singer-songwriter, he is one of the first artists responsible
for disseminating reggae music to a global audience. With over 25 studio
albums to his name, Cliff is the only living musician to hold the Order
of Merit for his contributions to Jamaican culture. But the road to
international acclaim has not been a straightforward one. Born James
Chambers into an underdeveloped country town near Jamaicas north coast,
Cliff has battled poverty, controversy, and prejudiceindeed, his
starring role as Ivan in the ground-breaking film The Harder They Come
drew on aspects of Jimmys own youthful experiences.