Global Voices · Jan 20, 2026

Stephen “Cat” Coore of Third World: A Musical Legacy Defined

Renowned Jamaican reggae musician and Third World co-founder Stephen "Cat" Coore died on January 18, 2026, at age 69.
A classically trained cellist and skilled guitarist, Coore was instrumental in expanding reggae's boundaries by blending it with soul, funk, rock, and classical music.
Recipient of the Order of Distinction, Coore leaves behind a 50-year career that includes nine Grammy nominations and a reputation as a "Reggae Ambassador."

Born in Kingston in 1956 to a prominent political family; his father, David Hilton Coore, was a former Deputy Prime Minister.
His mother, Rita Angela Innis Coore, was a trained musician and broadcaster who initiated his classical training.
Before age 13, he was a child prodigy who performed for Princess Anne and won a silver medal at the Jamaica Festival.
Joined the Inner Circle Band as a teenager before co-founding Third World in 1973 alongside Michael "Ibo" Cooper and others.

Coore's "reggae fusion" approach was characterized by his versatile instrumental skills, allowing him to transition seamlessly between cello solos and guitar-heavy reggae hits.
Third World achieved international success with iconic tracks like "96° in the Shade," "Now That We’ve Found Love," and "Try Jah Love."
His peers and critics noted his unique ability to perform with "verve and gusto," treating reggae music with the same technical seriousness and emotional depth as classical composition.

Received numerous awards, including the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRia) Instrumentalist of the Year and the 2025 Living Legacy Award from the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP).
Served as an ambassador for the Alligator Head Foundation and the Issa Trust Foundation.
Tributes poured in from Jamaican political leaders, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and international reggae icons like Steel Pulse, UB40, and The Wailers.
Survived by his wife, Donna Feltis-Coore, and four children, including his son Shiah, who is also a professional musician.

Global Voices · Jan 20, 2026

Renowned Jamaican reggae musician and Third World co-founder Stephen "Cat" Coore died on January 18, 2026, at age 69.
A classically trained cellist and skilled guitarist, Coore was instrumental in expanding reggae's boundaries by blending it with soul, funk, rock, and classical music.
Recipient of the Order of Distinction, Coore leaves behind a 50-year career that includes nine Grammy nominations and a reputation as a "Reggae Ambassador."

Born in Kingston in 1956 to a prominent political family; his father, David Hilton Coore, was a former Deputy Prime Minister.
His mother, Rita Angela Innis Coore, was a trained musician and broadcaster who initiated his classical training.
Before age 13, he was a child prodigy who performed for Princess Anne and won a silver medal at the Jamaica Festival.
Joined the Inner Circle Band as a teenager before co-founding Third World in 1973 alongside Michael "Ibo" Cooper and others.

Coore's "reggae fusion" approach was characterized by his versatile instrumental skills, allowing him to transition seamlessly between cello solos and guitar-heavy reggae hits.
Third World achieved international success with iconic tracks like "96° in the Shade," "Now That We’ve Found Love," and "Try Jah Love."
His peers and critics noted his unique ability to perform with "verve and gusto," treating reggae music with the same technical seriousness and emotional depth as classical composition.

Received numerous awards, including the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRia) Instrumentalist of the Year and the 2025 Living Legacy Award from the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP).
Served as an ambassador for the Alligator Head Foundation and the Issa Trust Foundation.
Tributes poured in from Jamaican political leaders, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and international reggae icons like Steel Pulse, UB40, and The Wailers.
Survived by his wife, Donna Feltis-Coore, and four children, including his son Shiah, who is also a professional musician.

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