Co-Founder of Legendary Reggae Band Third World, Stephen Coore, Has Died

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The co-founder of the legendary reggae band Third World, Stephen “Cat” Coore, died suddenly on Sunday evening, his publicist said in a statement. He was 69 years old and the third member of the band to have died since its formation.

Stephen “Cat” CooreThe guitarist was one of the early members of the Third World band along with with keyboardist, Ibo Cooper, pioneering fusion of reggae, soul, funk, pop, and rock that helped shape the reggae-fusion sound and propel Jamaican music onto the global stage.

Cooper died from cancer on October 12,  2023 at the age of 71. Both men had received formal training at different music schools run by their aunt and mother respectively in Jamaica.

The band also lost singer Milton “Prilly” Hamilton who died on 17 February 2025.  Since its formation, Third World has also lost William “Bunny Rugs”  Clarke who died in February 2014 and Irvin “Carrot” Jarette, who passed away on July 31, 2018.

The band achieved international acclaim with enduring classics such as Now That We’ve Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade, and Try Jah Love, becoming one of Jamaica’s longest-running and most successful bands.

Coore, who is celebrated for his exceptional musicianship, compositional brilliance, and deep musical knowledge, was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Jamaican culture and the creative arts.

He leaves behind his wife Lisa, his children, Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, his grandchildren, as well as extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and countless fans across the globe.