Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican music and film star, dies at 81CEFR A2
25 Nov 2025
Adapted from Emma Lewis, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Royce Fonseca, Unsplash
Jimmy Cliff was born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in Somerton, St. James. He moved to Kingston with his father at age 14 and began to sing in church, enter contests and write songs.
He had an early local hit, "Hurricane Hattie", and later went to England with help from Chris Blackwell of Island Records. His 1967 album Hard Road to Travel included "Waterfall", a hit in Brazil. He recorded more than 30 albums and his last was 2022's Refugees. He won Grammy awards and acted in the 1972 film The Harder They Come. Many leaders and musicians paid tribute after his death.
Difficult words
- influence — The power to change someone or something.
- reggae — A style of music from Jamaica.
- pneumonia — A serious illness that affects the lungs.
- struggle — To fight or work hard to achieve something.
- justice — The idea of fairness and being right.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think music can influence social change?
- Why is it important to recognize artists' impact on culture?
- What is your favorite song that talks about struggle?
- How do you feel about the influence of reggae music today?
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