Gordon Robinson | None such!

In the beginning there was Inner Circle.

Then Michael “Ibo” Cooper (keyboards); Stephen “Cat” Coore (guitar/cello); Milton “Prilly” Hamilton (lead vocals); Richard Daley (bass); Carl Barovier (drums) and Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett (percussion) evolved into Third World. Later, William “Willie” Stewart became their premier drummer and percussionist and William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke became their voice.

The band members were recruited by founders, musical geniuses (genii?) and inspirational leaders Stephen “Cat” Coore and Michael “Ibo” Cooper. Prilly had been Inner Circle’s lead vocalist whilst Richard Daley came from a great but now forgotten band named Tomorrow’s Children with which both Cat and Ibo had some experience and whose lead singers included Ken Lazarus and Pluto Shervington. Carl Barovier was quickly replaced by Cornell Marshall also formerly of Tomorrow’s Children.

Carrot passed away on July 31, 2018; Ibo on October 12, 2023; Cornel on June 20, 2024; Prilly on February 17, 2025. But, on January18, 2026, the heart and soul of Third World, Stephen “Cat” Coore, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 69.

Much. Too. Soon!

Cat’s early life circumstances made his career choices seem unusual. Most persons focus on the fact that his father was an elite lawyer and successful politician who became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in Michael Manley’s government. What isn’t so well known, and far more explanatory of his life’s trajectory, is that his mother, Rita Angela Coore (née Innis), was a prolific music teacher who insisted her son, who appeared promising in that regard, be trained classically especially in the cello.

The Observer reports that, at 10, Cat was chosen to play the cello for Princess Anne during her visit to Jamaica to open the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston. Since we all like to pretend we are connected to the greats, I’ll mention, in passing, that I was in the National Stadium for those games as a spectator. My father, then JC Sports Master, was an Official. So, obviously, Cat and I were close (lol).

The Observer quotes Cat as recalling:

“I was studying cello at the time and the people who were doing entertainment for Princess Anne had requested youngsters and my music teacher at the Noel Foster Davis School of Music picked me as one of the performers ’cause I had done well in my recent cello exams. It was at King’s House, and there was (sic) a lot of preparations. It was a very successful moment. It is definitely one of those stand-out moments in my career. Not many kids my age would have had a chance to do something like that.”

This is impressive coming from a man who founded and inspired the greatest Jamaican show band of all time with nine Grammy nominations; twenty-one studio albums; five live albums; thirty-seven singles; and worldwide acclaim. It speaks volumes about his love for his craft over material success. He was a magnificent musician first and foremost; a brilliant composer; and led by example with his detailed knowledge of music theory. Whatever Cat did throughout his life he made sure to find love in his work.

Now that we found love what are we gonna do, with it?

Now that we found love what are we gonna do, with it?

Now that we found love what are we gonna do, with it?

(Spread it all over)

Cat spread love wherever he went and with whomever he was interacting. Another little known fact was his role as a family man. He leaves behind wife Lisa, children, Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley and grandchildren but, because I was friends with his late brother Michael, I know of the love he spread to his extended family. But it wasn’t only Michael’s daughters who knew him as “Uncle Cat”. Many young musicians who came under his influence speak of him in the same way and love their “Uncle Cat.”

I’ve been present at many of the band’s live performances and, on every occasion, the unquestioned leadership of Cat Coore was self evident. Without fanfare or obtrusiveness he controlled every note that was played or sung. And he always gave credit where credit was due. In August 2025, while performing with the band live at the Reggae Lake Festival in Amsterdam, although obviously physically weak, Cat took time out to pay tribute to Third World’s current lead vocalist, A.J. “Boots” Brown, who he christened “Bobocelli”. This could have everything to do with the sight of a Bobo Dread giving an outstanding performance of Andrea Bocelli’s Con te partirò (sung with Sarah Brightman as Time to say Goodbye).

… I say

Come on, baby, when the music’s playing

I wanna see you dance.

Get up and dance!

As Third World’s musical director, Cat made sure that every audience member wanted to dance when they heard the music playing. The sound he and Ibo created for Third World was unique not only in Jamaica but the world. It wasn’t pure roots rock reggae. It wasn’t pure Rock Steady. It wasn’t straight R&B. It defied labels or categories. Cat fused these genres with jazz and added classical structure that brought a new remodeled Reggae to the world. Cat created a Jamrock Beat just as Fela Kuti fused West African music with funk, jazz and soul influences to create Afro Beat.

And he used it to carry as revolutionary a message as any of the great reggae revolutionaries. My favourite Third World recording 96 Degrees in the Shade was co-written by Cat in tribute to National Hero Paul Bogle and to commemorate the Morant Bay Rebellion

Said it was 96 degrees in the shade

ten thousand soldiers on parade

taking I and I to meet a big fat boy

sent from overseas

the queen employ.

Excellency, before you, I come

with my representation.

You know where I’m coming from.

You caught me on the loose

fighting to be free.

Now you show me a noose

on the cotton tree.

Entertainment for you

Martyrdom for me

Released in 1977, the song painted a vivid picture of those dark days. Listeners can actually feel what Bogle must have felt as he marched to present his people’s grievances to the Imperial Powers. The legacy of true heroism is brilliantly captured in Cat’s lyrics.

Some may suffer

and some may burn.

But I know that one day

my people will learn.

As sure as the sun shines

way up in the sky

today I stand here a victim

the truth is I’ll never die.

He was equally adept at spreading the message of true spirituality, whatever your religion, namely that love is the answer to every problem; every adversity; everything. In Try Jah Love which was my beloved Uncle J.D. Hall’s favourite Third World song:

A lonely soul was I without direction.

I didn’t know which way that I had to go.

I sought the clues to life’s unanswered questions.

My mind’s heart had to know.

I heard you call while wandering through the darkness

I’d walk a million miles to find that endless voice

that speaks to me when I am in temptation

echoing my choice.

Then He said “Seek ye shall find.

I’ve been with you through all time.

“And, if thirsty, I will quench you (with my love).

And, if you hunger, I will feed you (with my word).

And all I ask of you is that you love (as I do).

And, if you lose your way, I’ll lead you (to my love)

From a sinful life I’ll cleanse you (in my love)

For creation bears a witness (of my love).”

Third World received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Los Angeles based Charles R. Drew University (2008) and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival (2013). Cat was awarded the O.D (2003) for “significant contributions to music and Jamaican culture” and, more importantly, in my opinion, was recognized for his exceptional contribution as a musician (instrumentalist) by Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (2021).

Stephen “Cat” Coore, born April 6, 1956; lived a life of substance, enlightenment and achievement; died January 18, 2026. None Such!

Peace and Love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com