Jimmy Cliff

“In hindsight, I see the great value of family and how it moulded my life and kept me together. So now family means everything to me.”

“When I lived in the U.K., I recorded a lot of ska and rock-steady styles of Jamaican music. But people there weren't accepting it. So I began using a faster reggae beat.”

“Basically, I'm motivated to write about sociopolitical issues as well as relationships. I think those themes have stayed with me throughout my life.”

“If I could change one thing about myself... I would try to control my generosity.”

“I have a career, which is important, but my family is the priority. First family, and then career. It's a delicate balance.”

“I grew up twelve miles outside of Montego Bay. In my early teens, I went to Kingston. It was like a different planet for me. In the country, people are kind. In the city, people are hard an' cold, like the concrete and steel.”