NEW YORK, USA — Jamaicans across the United States and beyond have been paying tribute to iconic music pioneer Jimmy Cliff, who died at age 81 on Monday, following a stellar career which included a leading role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come.

Born James Chambers, Jimmy Cliff rocked to stardom with a number of hit songs in a career spanning more than 60 years, topping charts across the globe.

Expressing deep sadness at the passing of Jimmy Cliff, educator and Diaspora activist Dr Allan Cunningham said: “He was an ambassador for our nation, a steadfast humanitarian, a legend and icon who represented our culture, people and music. This son of the Rock has played his part beautifully, and we are extremely proud of his talent and stewardship.”

Anthony Turner, a media marketer, remembered the entertainer as an incredible singer, songwriter, actor and humanitarian. “Cliff will long be remembered for songs such as Many Rivers To Cross, The Harder They Come, and You Can Get It If You Really Want, which were not only the soundtrack to the movie The Harder The Come, they inspired the lives of many Jamaicans who loved and cherished his songs.”

In his capacity as a media marketer, Turner said he recalled working with Jimmy Cliff in 2010 when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, adding: “I helped his team organise a press junket in New York to celebrate his induction.

“I worked with him again in 2012 at Groovin’ in The Park — the Reggae and R&B concert — when he performed alongside Gladys Knight, Beres Hammond and Boyz II Men. He was not just an incredible entertainer, but a fantastic human being who was easy to work with,” said Turner.

Leading Diaspora advocate and head of Caribbean Immigration Services Irwine Clare Sr, in his tribute, said: “Jimmy Cliff has crossed his last river, but not before he nourished us with his lyrics that evoked passion, the will to fight on and instil pride and a fighting spirit of resilience. His legacy will live on.”

Carlene McIntosh, a Long Island, New York-based hospital secretary recalled as a young girl going to Palace Theatre on Windward Road in east Kingston to watch Jimmy Cliff in the movie The Harder They Come.

She said that while she was saddened to learn of his passing, she believes “he has left behind a rich legacy as an iconic singer, actor and cultural ambassador of which we can be proud”.

Dwight P Bailey, a former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), recalled growing up in deep rural St Mary “listening and dancing to the songs of Jimmy Cliff, along with Bob Marley and Toots and the Maytals”.

In Florida, mayor of the city of Lauderhill with its large Jamaican population Denise D Grant noted: “Jimmy Cliff’s music transcended borders, and inspired generations with messages of hope, courage and resilience.

“I admired the wisdom and cultural provocation in the music of this legendary musician and global icon,” she said, adding that “ Many Rivers to Cross is a tear-jerking song and an anthem to us all, especially as Jamaica rebuilds from the destruction as a result of the recent hurricane”.

In an emotional response to Cliff’s passing, popular radio personality and music selector DJ Candy said: “Jimmy Cliff’s death hit me hard, as based on a social media posting shortly before news of his passing broke, I was left to believe he was on tour.

“The death of this iconic reggae artiste has probably brought to an end what I would describe as the golden era of Jamaican music,” the DJ said, noting that in his view, only reggae superstar Beres Hammond remains from that era.

Jamaican conglomerate Caribbean Food Delights, through Chief Executive Officer Sabrina HoSang Jordan, hailed Jimmy Cliff for his exploits and contribution to Jamaica’s cultural and musical development.

She wrote in a tribute that: “The words of his song You Can Get It If You Really Want, are timeless words from Jimmy Cliff that have long been a guiding force in my life. His lyrics have uplifted and inspired me, echoing through everything I do.

“What began as my father’s mantra has now become my own, a daily reminder that perseverance shapes destiny. Jimmy Cliff’s message resonates deeply not only with us, but with Jamaicans and others everywhere — a shared thread of hope, determination, and unwavering belief.

“Even now, in this difficult moment for Jamaica, those words remind us that we can restore our country if we really want, but we must try and try again, and we will succeed at last,” HoSang Jordan suggested.

The late cultural icon Jimmy Cliff