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PHOTO Jamie SojaThe members of Third World pay tribute to Cat Coore, one of their founding members who passed away in January of 2026.
Celebrating 53 years, ‘Reggae Ambassadors’, Third World is one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica's most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as "reggae-fusion".
With 9 Grammy nominations and catalogue of charted smash hits (including “Now That We Found Love”, ”96 Degrees in the Shade” and “Try Jah Love”) spanning over four decades, sold-out tours, a vibrant and loyal fan base and inspirational messages, one may wonder, "Where did it all begin? What gives Third World the staying power so rare in the music industry?" Third World is more than just one of the top Reggae bands of all time, it is an institution that stands for producing and performing music that, while holding firm to the cultural and ancestral roots of its members, still pushes forward the cutting edge of music worldwide. It is an institution whose themes are positive, progressive and internationally relevant.
Singer Bunny Rugs described the band's sound: "Strictly a reggae band, no. Definitely a reggae band, yes." The late guitarist Stephen Cat Coore said of their music: "The hybrid of various types of music is a natural thing because, by growing up in Jamaica, we know the direct roots of reggae and ska. At the same time we live in a country where you get to hear Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and all the R & B artists." Bassist Richard Daley said, "We took roots reggae music and put branches on top of it".
Third World has performed to thousands of music fans on 6 of the 7 continents: TW toured & recorded with late great Bob Marley, including opening for Marley’s first world tour in 1978, TW recorded & toured with master blaster Stevie Wonder, who produced 2 of their albums in the 80’s released with CBS, they toured America with legendary guitarist Santana, opened for the Jackson 5’s first concert in Jamaica, shared stages throughout the world with the U2, Sting, The Police, Whitney Houston, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton, Fela Kuti , Gladys Knight, the Marley Brothers and more.
Third World’s hit songs have reached top 40 on the Billboard charts in the US, UK, Europe and Japan and received a platinum award in Japan. In 1986, Third World received the United Nations Peace Medal for their contribution of music and their lyrical prose. They performed on the MTV Amnesty International Concert at a sold out Giant Stadium in 1986, performed at the Rose Bowl with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Welcome Home Nelson Mandala concert in 1990, and have been featured at major sporting events including the Lord’s Cricket Grounds in the UK in 2000, and Opening Ceremony for Cricket World Cup in 2007, America’s Cup Bermuda 2017. TW has entertained millions over the television with performances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, Arsenio Hall Show, Soul Train, Top of the Pops, Shirley Bassie show and more!
Third World has received the keys to the cities of Atlanta, Brooklyn, Atlantic City, Hartford, Key West & Hollywood, Florida. Third World accolades include 1992 and 1996 Jamaica Music Industry Awards for Best Show Band, New York City Ambassador Award in November 2009 at Brooklyn Academy of Music ("BAM"), 2011 Excellence in Music at the Atlanta Caribbean Festival, numerous awards and accolades from Martin’s International Reggae and World Music Awards. In 2012 the group was awarded the Ambassador at Caribbean American Heritage Awards in Washington DC, “The Art of Reggae Music” award for 40 years of quality music and dedication. The Kennedy Center’s National Black Arts Award of Merit 2013. Jamaica Jazz & Blues presented Third World a Lifetime Achievement Award after their performance at the 2013 staging in Montego Bay. Reggae Sumfest presented Cat Coore the Lifetime Achievement Award during the virtual staging of Sumfest July 2020 in Kingston Jamaica. The City of Miramar Florida has honored Third World with the Award of Merit during Black History Month and Reggae Month Celebrations 2021. Stephen “Cat” Coore was presented with the Jamaica Recording Industry Award (JaRIA) instrumentalist of the year during Reggae Month, 2021 and the Luminary Award at the Caribbean American Heritage Awards (CAHAH) in Washington DC November 2023. In 2023, Cat Coore was listed by Rolling Stone magazine as #91 of the top 250 guitarist of all time. Reggae Month 2024, Third World was presented with a Reggae Gold Award from the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, Gender & Sport. On Jamaica Independence Day, August 6, 2024.
Third World released a studio LP, More Work To Be Done, August 2019, produced by Multi-Grammy winner, Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, the youngest son of the legendary Bob Marley, under the Ghetto Youth International imprint. The album was nominated by the Recording Academy / Grammys for Best Reggae Album 2020.
Richard Daley
Tony “Ruption” Williams
AJ Brown
Norris Webb
Richard Barr
special guest guitarist Richie "Wiggz" Walters
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