Jimmy Cliff’s “Many Rivers Crossed Tour” Hits DC

Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff in his element at the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC

Jimmy Cliff kicked off the show on the nyabinghi drum

Who knew that Wonderful World, Beautiful People was inspired by a trip Jimmy Cliff made to Brazil? Or that Cat Stevens, who wrote the original Wild World, actually helped produce Jimmy Cliff’s version, which went on to become a top ten UK hit? These are some of the gems that have come from the grammy-winning rock and roll hall of fame inductee as he winds up his “Many Rivers Crossed Tour,” playing mostly classic hits and telling the stories behind them. At the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC, the 65 year-old Jimmy Cliff’s energy was truly on show, from the first nyabinghi drum beat to the last strum of his Schecter Electric guitar. He left the stage four times, only to be cajoled back by chants of “Jimmy! Jimmy! Jimmy!” The tour coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the US release of The Harder They Come, the movie in which he played the lead role of Ivan, a “rude boy” and aspiring singer. Apart from the title track, Cliff also contributed three

Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Performer; the legend that is Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff leading the call-and-response

other songs to the soundtrack, Many Rivers To Cross, Sitting in Limbo and You Can Get It If You Really Want. The movie got a re-release of sorts in a one-day theatrical showing at the AFI Silver Spring Theatre September 26, a day before his appearance at Howard Theatre. Jimmy Cliff has a special 40th Anniversary DVD of the cult classic on sale on his website. Check out the studio scene from the movie after the jump, showing Jimmy Cliff recording The Harder They Come. Bless…

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