Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, Co-Founder Of Reggae Band Third World, Dead At 69
Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of legendary reggae band Third World, passed away suddenly on Sunday evening. He was 69.
A press release issued by Coore’s publicist announced his death. The musician’s family also confirmed his passing on Monday.
Three years ago, Coore survived a major surgical operation, and had continued with his musical work despite his health challenges.
Born on April 6, 1956, Coore was known for his mastery of both guitar and cello and for bringing an extraordinary range of musical influences into reggae.
Over more than five decades he helped craft Third World’s genre-blending sound — mixing reggae with soul, funk, pop, rock, R&B, jazz, and even classical elements — helping Jamaican music cross cultural and geographic borders.
Coore’s musical journey began early: by age 13 he was already a professional musician and later joined the popular Jamaican band Inner Circle before co-founding Third World in 1973 with keyboardist Michael “Ibo” Cooper and friends Colin Leslie, Milton “Prilly” Hamilton and Richard Daley. Their debut album was released by Island Records in 1976, and they went on to international success with enduring classics such as Now That We’ve Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade and Try Jah Love.
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.
On Monday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness hailed Coore as “a towering figure in our cultural history” and one of the architects of Jamaica’s global musical legacy.
“As a founding member and musical director of Third World, Cat Coore helped shape a sound that carried Jamaica’s rhythm, spirit, and message to every corner of the world. His artistry blended technical brilliance with deep cultural consciousness, creating music that was both timeless and unmistakably Jamaican,” Holness said in a statement.
“Cat Coore was a cultural ambassador in the truest sense, representing Jamaica with dignity, excellence, and pride. His contribution to the creative arts enriched our national identity and inspired generations of musicians at home and abroad.”
He is survived by his wife Lisa, his children, Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, and several grandchildren.
Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper, another founding member of Third World, passed away in 2023 at age 71. Milton ‘Prilly’ Hamilton, the band’s first lead singer, died in February 2025, aged 74.