Third World co-founder, Cat Coore, has died

Reggae legend Cat Coore, best known as the co-founder of the iconic Third World band, is dead.

Real name Stephen Coore, Cat passed away on Sunday evening following a sudden medical emergency, as confirmed in statements by his family and publicist. Coore was 69 years old.

Coore originally joined another top reggae band, Inner Circle, before co-founding Third World in the mid-70s. Coore joined a line-up including William “Ibo” Cooper, Colin “Oliver: Leslie, Carl Barovier, Milton “Prilly” Hamilton and William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, becoming the group’s renowned guitarist from his teenage years until his death.

Third World became a huge crossover success from the ’70s onwards, reeling out hits such as “Now That We’ve Found Love,” “96 Degrees in the Shade,” “Reggae Party,” “Forbidden Love” and “Try Jah Love.” Coore also earned the Order of Distinction for his work with the band, plus his decades of mentorship and his standing as a reggae ambassador.

Coore was survived by his wife Lisa, four children and several grandchildren.