The Evolution of "I Can See Clearly Now"
A Legendary Cover
In 1972, Jamaican singer Jimmy Cliff covered Johnny Nash’s iconic song "I Can See Clearly Now", earning him his first Silver certification in the UK. The song’s success can be attributed to Cliff’s unique interpretation, which resonated with audiences worldwide.
A Silver Certification
The song sold over 200,000 units in the UK, according to The Official Charts Company, and was given the Brit Certified Silver Award on October 18, 2024, by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
**A Song of Friendship and Mischief
Cliff’s signature was on the original song, even before his manager David Sonenberg approached him in 1993 about the possibility of doing the cover for the movie Cool Runnings’ soundtrack. Twenty-one years before he would perform a cover of the song, Cliff told reporters in 2020 that he had a deep familiarity with the song, having played bongo drums on the original track.
A Near-Miss
In addition, the 78-year-old singer, whose name is James Chambers, claimed that his version of the song, which is his highest-charting single in the US and his third-highest in the UK, almost didn’t make it. The company had actually wanted him to do "You Can Get It If You Really Want", but Sonenberg insisted on "I Can See Clearly Now".
**A Reunion and a Song for a Friend
According to Jimmy Cliff, he and Nash had a reunion years after the original recording, where they laughed about the memories of recording the song at Island Studios in London. Cliff shared a heartfelt moment, saying, "Then I said, ‘I have a song for you’, and he came back at me sharp and said, ‘I have a song for you too’, like he was saying you think I can’t write songs, I can write one for you too. He was just a really very nice bredrin.’"
**A Legacy
Cliff reflected on his friendship with Nash, saying, "I met him in England years ago when I used to reside there. Danny Simms had a house in London, and we used to meet up around there and hang out and we became friends." Unfortunately, Nash passed away at home in Houston, Texas, in October 2020 from natural causes after a period of deteriorating health.
**The Impact of "I Can See Clearly Now"
His 1972 No. 1 hit on the Billboard charts, "I Can See Clearly Now", contributed to the popularization of reggae music in the US. In 1994, Cliff’s rendition spent 25 weeks at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, following his earlier appearances on the chart with "Come Into My Life" and "Wonderful World, Beautiful People".
**Conclusion
"I Can See Clearly Now" has become a timeless classic, with Jimmy Cliff’s version captivating audiences worldwide. This iconic song has left an indelible mark on the music industry, cementing Cliff’s status as a legendary artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was "I Can See Clearly Now" originally released?
A: The song was originally released in 1972 by Johnny Nash.
Q: Who covered "I Can See Clearly Now" in 1994?
A: Jimmy Cliff covered the song in 1994, earning a Silver certification in the UK.
Q: What was the impact of "I Can See Clearly Now" on the music industry?
A: The song contributed to the popularization of reggae music in the US, with Cliff’s version reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.