On November 24, 2025, James Chambers (aka Jimmy Cliff) died aged 81. He was singer, musician (guitar, piano, keyboards, congas) and actor, one of the most important figures in worldwide promotion of the Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae music. He was the only living reggae musician to hold the “Order of Merit”, the highest honor that can be granted by the Jamaican government for achievements in the arts and sciences. In 2010, Jimmy Cliff was inducted in the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”.
Tag Archives: rocksteady
Desmond Dekker
On May 25, 2006, Desmond Dekker died aged 64. He was singer and songwriter, best known by his song “Israelites” from 1968 (with his backing group “The Aces), which is regarded as one of the earliest reggae hits worldwide.