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Photo via CMC
NEW YORK, CMC – Jamaican reggae lovers and artistes in the New York Metropolitan Area are paying glowing tributes to legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter and actor Jimmy Cliff, who died on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 81 years.
Cliff, who has been credited with introducing reggae to an international audience, primarily through his performance in the landmark film, “The Harder They Come” (1972).
“There will forever be a part of Jimmy that will resonate and remain with my family for time to come,” Jamaican-born, New York-based attorney Merrick J. Dammar told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
“As the godfather of my son Markhus, Jimmy was the first entertainer that performed at my property located at Emandee acres, setting the standard under which we offer quality entertainment for free.
“I am proud to be the owner of Jimmy’s first guitar. As he presented it to me he stated, ‘Bob Marley’s guitar is with him. Mine is with you, Take good care of her. She made me famous.
“Rest my brother; you have crossed your last river, leaving us with the reminder that we live in a ‘Wonderful World’ with ‘Beautiful People’”, he said, referring to one of Cliff’s biggest hits, “Wonderful World, Beautiful People.”
Reggae singer, Richie Stephens said Cliff was “not just an artist, he was a national treasure and an icon.
“Jimmy is someone who taught us about the business of music, both how to perform on stage and how to conduct ourselves. Jimmy Cliff was a pioneer, somebody that we truly loved and admired throughout the years,” he told CMC.
“It’s such a sad day for Jamaica, for the entire reggae industry to know he’s no longer with us,” Stephens added. “Reggae music has certainly lost one of our greatest ever. Jimmy is gone but will never be forgotten. RIP (rest in peace).”
Jamaican-born, New York-based entertainment promoter Anthony “ER Guru” Turner said he has “known the songs of singer, actor, humanitarian Jimmy Cliff all my life.
“I remember hearing songs like ‘Harder They Come’, ‘Many Rivers To Cross’ and ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want. These songs were the soundtrack not just to the movie ‘Hard They Come’ but the lives of many Jamaicans who loved and cherished his songs,” Turner added.
He recalled working with Cliff in 2010, when he became the second Jamaican reggae recorder to be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“What a life-changing moment that was to have shared space with him when I put together a press junket to honour Jimmy’s accomplishments for over 30 Jamaican/Caribbean media in Manhattan,” Turner said. “I had the rare opportunity to touch and hold his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame trophy. This is a moment I will never forget.”
In 2012, Turner said he also had the opportunity to work with CLIFF again at the Groovin In The Park in Jamaica, Queens, New York, where he headlined the festival with Glady Knight, Boyz To Men, Beres Hammond and Beenieman.
“Jimmy was the consummate performer who knew how to engage and entertain fans,” said Turner, noting that Cliff was conferred with the Order of Merit, Jamaica’s fourth-highest national honour in 2003 by the Government of Jamaica. “Walk good my friend. RIP.”
Jamaican-born, New York-based musicologist Winston “Stan” Smith said, “Jimmy Cliff’s legacy is secure.
“Like brand Jamaica, his musical accomplishments punched above his weight. The world knew and loved the rich tapestry of Ska, Rock Steady and Reggae because of Jimmy Cliff.”
Cliff’s biography on his official website says: “As many legends throughout history do, the whole story starts during a devastating storm. We open on the Somerton District of St. James, Jamaica. With only one midwife tending to the entire village, a mother gives birth to a child, wraps him in a sheet, and takes him to shelter at a neighbour’s home as the hurricane blows her house away.
“However, everybody agrees, ‘There’s something special about this boy. He becomes famous by the age of 14 for a hit coincidentally entitled ‘Hurricane Hattie.’ He goes on to popularise reggae music everywhere. He changes the world. Nearly 70 years later, he doesn’t stop. This is the story of Jimmy Cliff.
