The 1972 movie was a mixed bag, but its soundtrack served as most Americans’ first introduction to reggae. Jimmy Cliff (playing Ivanhoe Martin, would-be reggae singer turned renegade) provided vocal star power on the title track and the funeral-staple “Many Rivers to Cross.” Desmond Dekker & The Aces showed off reggae’s roots in 50s R&B on “(007) Shanty Town.” Just as good are the contributions from mostly forgotten acts like The Melodians and The Slickers, whose “Johnny Too Bad” is a parable of the film—only far better. “The Harder They Come” was only a modest success, but it opened the door for the arrival of Bob Marley, global superstar, a few years later.