BMI Remembers Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff
BMI was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, whose death was announced Monday. He was 81.
Cliff’s biggest hits, among them “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and the title theme from the 1972 film, The Harder They Come, which also starred Cliff, were hugely informative, international works that helped evangelize the music of the singer/songwriter’s native Jamaica. From humble beginnings, Jimmy Cliff went on to become a pillar of the genre, earning two GRAMMY awards, along with seven nominations. Beyond his standing as a reggae icon, Cliff also recorded with a host of prominent non-reggae artists such as Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and several others. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
A tireless music creator, Jimmy Cliff kept writing and recording music throughout his life, releasing what would become his final album, Refugees, in 2022. He will be greatly missed by his friends, fans, and family at BMI.
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