Jimmy Cliff is an artist that I have adored and loved since I was in my early teens. I remember watching him in the film “Harder They Come,” and instantly falling in love with his infectious voice. But, it wasn’t until I was older that I was really able to understand and admire his writing skills. He has songs that really dig into social consciousness. Songs about protest, but also the ability to entertain our ears with rocksteady classics like, “Miss Jamaica.” His work with famed producer Leslie Kong is legendary.
This particular session was recorded in 2012, which would make it 50 years after his first recordings. And the session is forever stamped in history, as it became an album he officially released and sold in stores . As a bonus, we’re also including a special recording from Joe Strummer of the Clash. He visited the MBE studio in 1999 and started spinning some records. He sang a couple tracks too and even made up lyrics dedicated to the KCRW fanbase. One thing I must note, was before I got the chance to meet him, he took a long nap under the piano in the old KCRW studio basement. I will never forget that moment.
Please enjoy these two greats for Throwback Thursday.
Jimmy Cliff in 2012. Photo by Larry Hirshowitz.
Check out more KCRW Throwback Sessions:
Cymande live on MBE in 2016
The Internet live on MBE in 2015
Hot 8 Brass Band live on MBE in 2017
Laura Mvula live on MBE in 2013
John Legend’s Apogee Session in 2014
Café Tacvba live on MBE in 1996
Lykke Li live on MBE in 2011
Moby live on MBE in 1999
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings live on MBE in 2014
Animal Collective live on MBE in 2016
Marlon Williams live on MBE in 2018
Khruangbin live on MBE in 2018