Jimmy Cliff is a
global beacon; an example of humility fueled by determination, and role model
who set his mark on a goal, and didn’t stop until he achieved it. To Jimmy Cliff we owe the highest musical
honor.
At the age of 14 he knew that he wanted to write songs and
sing. He convinced Leslie Kong to go
into the recording business, and Kong’s first venture was with Cliff as a young
artist. The first two releases were not
a success, but, the third was being “King
of Kings!”
Giving us subsequent hit records was great, but not the
focus of Cliff. Instead he was focused
on writing great songs; songs with meaning, songs with impact and songs that would
make a difference. He achieved that goal
and hasn’t stopped achieving!
Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga recently released Reggae
Golden Jubilee – Origins of Jamaican Music – 50th Anniversary which
is a comprehensive, 4-Disc set that spans 50 years of Reggae music. The set (released on the VP Records label) is
comprised of 100 songs, and includes the music of one artist who helped write
the history of Jamaica through music – Mr. Jimmy Cliff!
Last night The Grammy’s
released the 5 nominees for Best Reggae
Album 2013, and the first name announced was Jimmy Cliff for his album Rebirth! Currently on tour with the Dave Matthews Band
(and will be performing at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto tomorrow – December
7th, 2012), news of his nomination had the Reggae icon beaming with
pride.
P.S. Mr. Cliff is on Twitter >>> @THEJIMMYCLIFF
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