Jimmy Cliff Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Songs, Height, Reggae, Films

James Chambers, also known as Jimmy Cliff, was a pioneering Jamaican singer, songwriter, musician, and actor who became one of the first global superstars of reggae music.

Through timeless hits, his starring role in the groundbreaking film The Harder They Come, and a career spanning seven decades, he introduced ska, rocksteady, and reggae to the world while championing social justice and spiritual themes.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: James Chambers
• Stage Name: Jimmy Cliff
• Born: July 30, 1944
• Age: 81 years old
• Birthplace: Somerton, Saint James Parish, Jamaica
• Nationality: Jamaican
• Ethnicity: Jamaican
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Actor
• Height: 1.65 m
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. Chambers and Mrs. Chambers
• Siblings: Victor Chambers
• Spouse: Latifa Chambers
• Children: Odessa Chambers, Lilty Cliff, Aken Cliff, Nabiyah Be
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million USD

Early Life And Education

James Chambers was born on July 30, 1944, in Somerton, Saint James Parish, Jamaica. He was brought up by his parents Mr. Chambers and Mrs. Chambers in humble rural circumstances during a time of hardship.

He grew up having siblings as the second youngest of nine children. His parents separated when he was an infant, and he was raised partly by a deeply religious tailor-farmer figure. He began singing in church at age six, writing songs as a child, and moved to Kingston as a teenager for opportunities. His ethnicity is Jamaican. His religion is Christianity.

Career

Jimmy Cliff started his professional journey in the early 1960s after moving to Kingston, adopting the stage name Cliff as a symbol of reaching great heights. He recorded his first singles as a teenager and scored an early hit with “Hurricane Hattie” at age 14. He signed with Leslie Kong’s Beverly Records and released ska and rocksteady tracks that gained local success.

His international breakthrough came with the 1972 film The Harder They Come, in which he starred as Ivan and contributed the soundtrack featuring classics like “The Harder They Come,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Many Rivers to Cross.” This project helped popularize reggae worldwide.

Cliff delivered global hits including “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” “I Can See Clearly Now” (a major cover success), and “Reggae Night.” He released over 30 albums, collaborated with artists across genres, and toured extensively.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 and awarded Jamaica’s Order of Merit, his seven-decade career blended soulful vocals, conscious lyrics, and pioneering spirit, making him a foundational figure in reggae’s global rise. He remained active with releases into the 2020s until his passing in 2025.

Social Media

• Jimmy Cliff does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Jimmy Cliff, 81 years old (at the time of his death), was married to Latifa Chambers (of Moroccan, French, and Jamaican heritage). They shared two children: daughter Lilty Cliff and son Aken Cliff.

He had a daughter, Odessa Chambers, from a previous relationship with film director Bluette Abrahams, and another daughter, actress/singer Nabiyah Be, from a relationship with psychologist Sônia Gomes. He was reportedly the biological father to 19 children in total and prioritized family values throughout his life. His height is 1.65 m.

Net Worth

Jimmy Cliff’s net worth is estimated at $10 million USD. His income primarily came from album sales and royalties, worldwide concert tours, film appearances including The Harder They Come, music publishing, and long-term earnings from reggae classics that continue to generate revenue.

Discography/Filmography

• The Harder They Come (soundtrack and starring role, 1972)
• Wonderful World, Beautiful People (1969)
• You Can Get It If You Really Want (1970)
• Many Rivers to Cross (1969)
• I Can See Clearly Now (cover, major hit)
• Reggae Night (1983)
• The Power and the Glory (1983)
• Rebirth (2012)
• Refugees (2022)
• Hard Road to Travel (1967)
• Jimmy Cliff in Brazil (1968)
• Various compilation albums including We All Are One: The Best of Jimmy Cliff
• The Long Kiss Goodnight (actor, 1996)