Final answer:
Jimmy Cliff is the Jamaican musician who introduced reggae music to the U.S. by starring in and providing music for the soundtrack of 'The Harder They Come'. The film played a significant role in exposing international audiences to reggae music and depicted the challenges faced by reggae artists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Jamaican musician who first introduced Jamaican music to the U.S. through his contributions to the soundtrack for the film 'The Harder They Come' in which he also starred is Jimmy Cliff. This film and its soundtrack played a significant role in bringing reggae music to international audiences in the early 1970s. Not only did the film expose reggae music to the world, but it also depicted the struggles of a young Jamaican musician, echoing the real-life challenges faced by reggae artists.
Reggae music evolved from earlier genres such as ska and rocksteady in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It became a cultural and musical expression of the Rastafarian movement with its distinctive rhythm and socially conscious lyrics. Jimmy Cliff's songs on the 'The Harder They Come' soundtrack, including the title track and 'You Can Get It If You Really Want', became anthems of determination and resilience, which resonated globally.
Reggae's rhythm with its offbeat accents and deep grooves became a widely influential music style. Musicians worldwide, including the Beatles and Eric Clapton, have incorporated reggae rhythms into their own music, highlighting the genre's significant impact on global music culture.