This song and the album and movie it came from probably doesn’t need any introduction but here goes – In 1972 a movie came out of Jamaica called “The Harder They Come.” It was directed by Perry Henzell and starred Jimmy Cliff who also did five songs on the soundtrack with the title track being the only one written specifically for the film. The gritty crime film became an international success and the soundtrack sold millions and broke reggae to the rest of the world.
This record (and album) along with Bob Marley’s Rastaman Vibration personally won me over to reggae. This song has been covered countless times and its easy to see why.
Cliff is an icon in Jamaica and globally. He was born in 1948 and had his first hit at 14. He was still touring.