Stephen “Cat” Coore, Third World founder, dies ^{CEFR B1}

Stephen “Cat” Coore, a founder and long-time musical director of the reggae band Third World, died on January 18, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Donna Feltis-Coore, and their children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen Jr., and Ashley.

Coore was born in Kingston on April 6, 1956, into a well-known middle-class family. His father, the Honourable David Hilton Coore, served as Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica from 1972 to 1976. His mother, Rita Angela Innis Coore, trained in music and broadcasting and taught him cello; he won a silver medal at the Jamaica Festival when he was ten.

He began playing guitar at 12, joined the Alley Cats and became lead guitarist of Inner Circle at 13, touring for four years. In 1973 he formed Third World with Colin Leslie and Michael “Ibo” Cooper. The band released its debut with Island Records in 1976 and had hits such as “96° in the Shade” (1977) and “Now That We’ve Found Love” (1978).

Third World built an international audience in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Coore helped shape a “reggae fusion” sound by mixing soul, funk, rock and classical elements. He received many honours, including nine Grammy nominations and the Order of Distinction in 2005, and tributes came from political leaders, fellow musicians and fans.