Jimmy Cliff’s 19 Children Prepare to Honor His Musical and Family Legacy

Jamaica will hold a state memorial for reggae icon Jimmy Cliff on December 17. The celebration in Kingston honors his monumental musical career. It also highlights a less publicized part of his life: his role as a father to 19 children.His eldest daughter, Odessa Chambers, shared intimate memories with Rolling Stone. She wants the world to know her father was, above all, a dedicated family man.

A Patriarch On and Off Stage

Jimmy Cliff is celebrated as a reggae patriarch. He introduced global audiences to the genre through the film “The Harder They Come.” He also helped launch the career of Bob Marley.His influence extended deeply into his personal life. Cliff maintained close relationships with all his children and their mothers. Odessa Chambers described a household full of love and unity, not division.The family often gathered at his Kingston home. They shared trips to concerts, beaches, and movie theaters. Cliff ensured all his children knew each other and bonded as one family.

The Personal Legacy Beyond the Music

For Odessa, her father’s greatest legacy is his family. She recalls touring with him as a teenager, learning about performance and public relations. Those experiences shaped her own career in journalism and media.Cliff was privately cautious about the entertainment industry. He guided his children to be wary of opportunists. Yet, he was immensely proud of their diverse paths, from nursing and IT to acting and music.The upcoming memorial will feature performances by fellow legends and one of Cliff’s younger daughters. It serves as a final public tribute. For his large family, it is a moment to celebrate the man they simply called Dad.

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Jimmy Cliff’s legacy is cemented in music history. It is equally embodied by the large, close-knit family he built and cherished. His children now carry that legacy forward.

Thought you’d like to know

How many children did Jimmy Cliff have?

Jimmy Cliff was a father to 19 children. He had strong relationships with all of them and their mothers, fostering a united family environment.

Who is speaking about Jimmy Cliff’s family life?

His eldest daughter, Odessa Chambers, gave a detailed interview to Rolling Stone. She shared personal stories to highlight her father’s dedication to his family.

When is Jimmy Cliff’s state memorial?

The official celebration of life is scheduled for December 17 in Kingston, Jamaica. It will be a public event hosted by the Jamaican government.

Will any of his children participate in the memorial?

Yes, his daughter Lilty Cliff is scheduled to perform. Many of his children and extended family are expected to attend the ceremony in his honor.

What was Jimmy Cliff’s most famous contribution to music?

He is widely credited with introducing reggae to the world through the 1973 film “The Harder They Come.” His music and role in the film were groundbreaking.

How did Jimmy Cliff’s children view him?

They remember him as a loving, present father who prioritized family. Despite his global fame, he made time for vacations, concerts, and simple moments at home with all his kids.