Third World ADD

Stephen 'Cat' Coore from Third World - Rest In Power (April 6, 1956 - January 18, 2026)

01/19/2026 by Reggaeville

Jamaican music icon Stephen 'Cat' Coore, co-founder of the legendary Third World band, has died. The sad news was published today on the band's official social media channels: “You know I LOVE you, right” Stephen 'Cat' Coore, OD | April 6, 1956 - January 18, 2026

TRIBUTES
SEAN PAUL
"R.I.P 2 a real legend, a real musician, a real disciplined an mastered talent an a real mentor 4 me an many others in our industry. U gave me the 1st chance in studio uncle. Never will I 4get. Much less my 1st draw of lambs bread came from u. I give a tnx. These pics were from the last time we got 2 hang out an reason. Until nex time unks. Much love honor an respect 2 such a great man 4 all you’ve done 4 music an 4 believing in me. Blessings an condolences 2 ur fam freinds an fans."

CINDY BREAKSPEARE 
"My Dearest Cat.... I can't believe this news or remember I time when I didn't know YOU!!! Our children grew up together, Kanna is my God Daughter.... and Stevie "Jumbo" the baby we all loved. Shiah and Damian grew like brothers, working together & traveling the world together, Your wonderful messages of love , respect and the reminiscence that made me laugh and cry will stay in my heart forever.... Here we are with Aunty Suzie at the launch of "Yim mas gan"REST WELL MY BROTHER, my DEAR, DEAR FRIEND.... never to be forgotten, always LOVED... your MUSIC will keep us dancing, singing, loving life as you did, and grateful for your gift you shared so willingly with the world.... the PASSION YOU WERE BORN TO EMBRACE . JAH HOLD YOU IN HIS ARMS ETERNALLY& and know that you will be forever missed!!!"


STEEL PULSE
"To wake up and learn that Stephen Cat Coore, has just made the transition - that is a bitter pill to swallow.  No more bumping into each other at the lounges at Miami Airport. No more sharing the same billing at festivals; no more guest appearances at the odd event in the Caribbean; no more chilling out with each other at the Grammys; no more compliments and kind words coming down my phone whenever he decides to call from out of the blue. So many things about Cat Coore that leaves me an everlasting impression and memory of him; but this is one that touched me most of all. He came to see us perform in London, when Steel Pulse was still a nobody, not even a household name. It left an overwhelming impression on me that an extremely talented star from out of Jamaica, took time out to come listen to a band that could barely string 3 chords together.  He wasn’t about profiling. He was for real. Wow! … and losing him on Dr Martin Luther King Day, too..

This has rocked the reggae genre to the core (believe me, no pun intended). With Bunny, Ibo, Carrot, Willie, Rupert, Richie, all out of the picture, this man tried his hardest to keep the flame of Third World burning.  Such a unique approach to guitar playing that only a guitar player that’s searching for his own personal identity when it comes to style, would understand. Flawless, night after night.  And I will say it again, Third World is one of the best band ever to have come out of Jamaica, and will forever remain number 1 in our books for crossing over our genre of music to the world’s international music industry. Tony Ruption, AJ, Norris, Richard, and co, Steel Pulse is begging you to keep the flame burning.  Our heart goes out to Shiah, Donna, Richie Daley, Willie Stewart.. Wow! The Legends are leaving us.. RIP RIP"

SHAGGY 
"Condolences to the family of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, original member of the third work reggae band , any one who knew cat will tell you, he loved music, it came 1st. Walk good mi breddda. R.I.P."

BURNING SPEAR: "I have no words. This really hurts. Rest in peace my brother. Cat Coore.. Jah jah"



STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTER OF CULTURE, GENDER ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT, THE HONOURABLE OLIVIA GRANGE, OJ, CD, MP, FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THIRD WORLD’S STEPHEN ‘CAT’ COORE:

"Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was a unique talent who could truly be described as ‘The Reggae Ambassador’.

He was a distinguished musician and pioneering co-founder of the legendary Third World Band.

His passing is a tremendous loss. I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. I know his wife Lisa, his children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen and Ashley, and his grandchildren must be devastated. The Government and people of Jamaica are grateful to them for allowing ‘Cat’ Coore the time to share with us his gift of musical excellence. I also extend a special word of consolation to the musical colleagues who worked closely with Cat.

With Third World, he delivered hit songs including ‘Reggae Ambassador’ ‘Now That We Found Love’, ‘96 Degrees in the Shade’, and ‘Try Jah Love’.

It should also not be forgotten that before he co-founded Third World, ‘Cat’ Coore was an integral part of the successful Reggae group, Inner Circle.

It is no surprise that he was the recipient of a number of awards including the Order of Distinction. We will miss ‘Cat’ Coore’s presence, but there is no doubt that his legacy will live on and continue to inspire current and future generations of musicians.
Rest well, Reggae Ambassador."

IN THE PRESS

• STEPHEN ‘CAT’ COORE, JAMAICAN MUSIC ICON AND THIRD WORLD CO-FOUNDER, DIES AT 69 [Jamaica Observer 1/19/2026]
• LEGENDARY THIRD WORLD CO-FOUNDER STEPHEN 'CAT' COORE HAS DIED [Jamaica Gleaner 1/19/2026]
• STEPHEN ‘CAT’ COORE THE ARCHITECT OF REGGAE-FUSION DIES [St. Vincent Times 1/19/2026]
• REGGAE ICON STEPHEN ‘CAT’ COORE OF THIRD WORLD DIES AT 69 [Caribbean National Weekly 1/19/2026]