Jimmy Cliff and the roots of Toronto’s reggae scene, Part 1
Cheryl Thompson presents a two-part series for Black History Month in 2026
By Cheryl ThompsonOn November 24, 2025, Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff (né James Chambers) died at age 81. Twenty years prior, Cliff became only the fourth reggae artist to receive the Order of Merit (2003) – the highest honour granted by the Jamaican government for achievements in the arts and sciences – and he remains one of two Jamaicans (Bob Marley being the other) inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (in 2010). It was just one month prior that Jamaica was devasted by Hurricane Melissa, and... Read more
