Music 101
Music 101
Daniel Lucas / G.Mick Smith
Music 101, now in its third season, features the question: How did Jimmy Cliff break into Jamaica’s music scene?—a journey back to the origins of a le...
30 minutes Posted Dec 6, 2025 at 8:00 am.
0:00
30:51
Download MP3
Show notes
<p>Music 101, now in its third season, explores the question:&nbsp;<em>How did Jimmy Cliff break into Jamaica’s music scene?</em>&nbsp;by tracing the remarkable beginnings of a young artist destined to redefine a genre. Growing up in the vibrant yet challenging streets of Somerton District and later Kingston, Cliff’s passion for music emerged early as he wrote songs, entered talent shows, and knocked on studio doors with unshakable determination. His breakthrough came when producer Leslie Kong recognized his raw talent, leading to the recording of “Hurricane Hattie,” a hit that catapulted Cliff into national fame while he was still a teenager. From that moment, his voice became a beacon of Jamaica’s musical identity, setting the stage for a career that would carry reggae far beyond the island’s shores.</p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>