Jimmy Cliff Touched My Life

I woke up this morning to heartbreaking news: the legendary Jimmy Cliff has passed on. His body of work is nothing short of extraordinary. He transformed the musical landscape with his electrifying performances and inspired countless artists to tune into the reggae frequency across the world.

Mr. Cliff changed the trajectory of my career. I was blessed with the honor of opening for him twice with my band Le Coup, first at the Cameo Theater in Miami, in a show presented by Dan Barnett of Cellar Door Concerts, and later in Key West thanks to Norman Bedford and George Toler.

The Cameo performance was especially meaningful. My parents were in attendance, watching me in a truly professional setting with big sound and a big audience. It was the first time they realized that this MUSIC THING I was doing was real. The pride in their eyes, watching me work that stage,  I will never forget that night. One of the most important concerts of my life.

Before our show with Mr. Cliff in the Keys, I mustered up the courage to introduce myself and thank him for his music and for allowing us to open for him. At first, he didn’t respond, and I felt myself shrinking with embarrassment. Then he looked into my eyes, recognized my sincerity, and simply said, “It is not wise to talk before going on stage.”

I asked him to explain, and he did. He even shared his pre-show ritual: warm tea with lemon and honey. “You must protect your instrument,” he told me.

From that day on, I have never stepped on stage without drinking warm tea prescribed by the legend himself.

Rest in Power, Mr. Jimmy Cliff. Thank you for the lesson, the music, and the message.

Let me know how he touched your life.

Photo credit: Abudoma