A friendship beyond music with Jimmy
The last time Jackie Jackson saw Jimmy Cliff, the legendary singer-songwriter was typically philosophical.
During their “two man summit”, Cliff gave him some advice.
“We went to his home last year and, before parting, he left me with two memorable quotes: ‘Whatever’s the situation, there’s always a solution,’ and ‘There’s no such thing as ‘God help those who help themselves.’ The truth is, God help those who believe in him and trust him.’ Those two quotes will be with me forever,” said Jackson in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.
The acclaimed bass guitarist, who knew Jimmy Cliff for over 50 years, was in the band that played at his official funeral on December 17 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew.
The celebrated star of The Harder They Come, died on November 24 at age 81.
Their careers began in the 1960s — Jimmy Cliff as a child star with producer Leslie Kong, and Jackson as a bassist at producer Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label.
“He [Jimmy Cliff] was the first artiste to take me on a tour. I was given the opportunity to record with him on his monster hits — Vietnam; Wonderful World, Beautiful People; You Can Get it If You Really Want; The Harder They Come. When we first met, a bond was formed because we discovered that we are both Aries,” Jackson revealed.
At the service — which was attended by Jimmy Cliff’s family, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding, among other dignitaries — artistes paid tribute by performing songs from his bountiful catalogue. They included his daughter Lilty, Alaine, Etana, Nadine Sutherland, Tony Rebel, Duane Stephenson, Richie Stephens, Dwight Richards, Beenie Man, Richie Spice, Tarrus Riley, Luciano, and Christopher McDonald.
Jackson, who toured for 50 years with Toots Hibbert, another reggae legend, remembers Jimmy Cliff as an insightful person with a creative mind.
“Sir James is the strongest person I’ve ever met. I learned a lot from him. At the end of our numerous meetings his parting words were always, ‘Believe in yourself,’ ” he said.
— Howard Campbell
