The family of Stephen “Cat” Coore of Third World fame has announced the sudden passing of the musician on the evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026.

In a statement, Coore’s family eulogised him as “husband, father, grandfather, and one of Jamaica’s most gifted, influential, and respected musicians”.

Born April 6, 1956, Stephen “Cat” Coore was a founding member, guitarist, and musical director of the legendary reggae band Third World, who pioneered the fusion of reggae, soul, funk, pop, and rock. That reggae fusion sound propelled Jamaican music onto the global stage.

In addition to playing the guitar, Coore was also trained as a classical cellist.

Under Coore’s musical leadership, Third World achieved international acclaim with enduring classics such as Now That We’ve Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade, and Try Jah Love. The ensemble became one of Jamaica’s longest-running and most successful bands.

Celebrated for his exceptional musicianship, compositional brilliance, and deep musical knowledge, Coore was widely regarded as a cultural ambassador who elevated reggae music and inspired generations of artists at home and abroad.

Coore’s outstanding contributions to the musical fraternity and Jamaican culture received recognition, as the Government of Jamaica installed him into the Order of Distinction – Officer Class in 2005 alongside bandmate Michael “Ibo” Cooper. On November 7, 2025, the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons presented Coore with the #LivingLegacyAward, honouring his decades of service to music and his role in promoting Jamaica’s cultural legacy worldwide.

He leaves behind his wife, Lisa; his children, Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley; his grandchildren; as well as extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and countless fans across the globe.