As the official funeral service for reggae icon Jimmy Cliff takes place this week in Kingston, Jamaica, at the National Indoor Sports Center, Louis “Louie” Grant, executive vice president and executive producer at Irie Jam Media, says that Cliff’s passing is “the end of an era.”
The Government of Jamaica has given Cliff an official funeral to honor his immense contribution to Jamaica’s culture and entertainment.
Grant told Caribbean Life that Cliff’s music and life embodied the resilience of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
Grant told Caribbean Life that Cliff’s music and life embodied the resilience of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
“I woke up on Nov. 24 to the news that another of our cultural icons had transitioned overnight,” he said. “After everything Jamaica has faced this year, it felt especially heavy.”
Reflecting on Cliff’s global impact, Grant cited “The Harder They Come” as a defining moment.
Reflecting on Cliff’s global impact, Grant cited “The Harder They Come” as a defining moment.
“That film fast-tracked reggae to the world,” he said, adding that it introduced countless young listeners to Jamaican music and culture.
Beyond Cliff’s awards and honors, Grant said Cliff’s character stood out most to him.
Beyond Cliff’s awards and honors, Grant said Cliff’s character stood out most to him.
“Jimmy Cliff was a relatively private and quiet soul,” he said. “He was disciplined, focused, deeply spiritual, and was a man of character.”
Grant also recalled Cliff’s generosity during visits to Irie Jam Radio, where he shared unreleased music and encouragement.
Grant also recalled Cliff’s generosity during visits to Irie Jam Radio, where he shared unreleased music and encouragement.
“At the start of our daily Irie Jam theme are the words, ‘If the feeling is good, I want you to say IRIE!’ That recording is the voice of Jimmy Cliff from his appearance at Rebel Salute in Jamaica,” he said.
“When DJ Roy played it for him in our studio, he was so excited that we chose to use it,” Grant added. “How gracious of the man — what humility. He was genuinely excited that we used his voice in our Irie Jam theme. That kind of humility stayed with me.”
Grant said Cliff’s powerful music will remain a guiding light for future generations.
“Through songs like ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ and ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want,’ he reminded us that no matter the storms, we can always rise again,” he said. “Walk good, Jimmy Cliff.”
“Through songs like ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ and ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want,’ he reminded us that no matter the storms, we can always rise again,” he said. “Walk good, Jimmy Cliff.”
