Reggae Pioneer Jimmy Cliff Dies at 81
The Spin
Narrative A
Jimmy Cliff's six-decade journey made him reggae's first global trailblazer, with his soulful voice and "The Harder They Come" launching the sound of Jamaica worldwide. Though only Bob Marley ultimately surpassed him in fame, Cliff's artistry, influence and perseverance proved him a giant whose legacy helped reggae conquer the world.
Narrative B
Without denying Marley's genius, it was Jimmy Cliff who first turned reggae into a 1970s global wave, with "Wonderful World, Beautiful People," "Vietnam" and "The Harder They Come" — influencing musicians and audiences before Marley went big. With the same label push and mythmaking, Cliff might have been seen not as second place, but as Marley's peer.
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