Third World Band History
- Third World was formed in 1973 by guitarist, cellist and singer Stephen “Cat” Coore—then with the Inner Circle Band—and a fellow musician from another band. They were joined by Michael “Ibo” Cooper on keyboards and vocals, bassist Richie Daley, drummer Carl Barovier, percussionist Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett and lead vocalist Milton “Prilly” Hamilton.
- In 1974, the band opened for the Jackson Five at Jamaica’s National Stadium.
- In 1975, Third World was performing in England when Island Records’ Chris Blackwell saw the band. Blackwell immediately offered them a recording contract and a place on a European tour opening for Bob Marley and The Wailers.
- In 1976, Third World released its debut album, Third World, featuring the hypnotic “Satta Massagana.”
- In 1977, the band followed with 96 Degrees in the Shade, released to rave reviews in Europe and the United Kingdom. The album included “Jah Glory,” Bunny Wailer’s “Dreamland” and the classic title track, “1865 (96 Degrees in the Shade).” It also heralded the arrival of drummer Willie Stewart and lead singer William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, another former Inner Circle member.
- In 1978, Third World released Journey to Addis, which produced the worldwide Top 10 hit “Now That We Found Love,” a disco-reggae version of an O’Jays song.
- In 1979, this commercial pattern continued with The Story’s Been Told, featuring songs including “Talk to Me,” “Irie Ites” and “Always Around.”
- At the dawn of the new decade, Third World released two projects: its final Island album, Arise in Harmony, and music for the Island film soundtrack Prisoner in the Street.
- Stevie Wonder released his tribute to Bob Marley, “Master Blaster (Jammin’).” During Third World’s salute to Marley at Reggae Sunsplash that summer, Wonder joined the band onstage to perform “Master Blaster.”
- Stevie Wonder wrote, produced and arranged Third World’s next international blockbuster, the 1982 single “Try Jah Love.” This was followed by Lagos Jump (1983), featuring musicians including Gerald Albright and the Earth, Wind & Fire horn section; Sense of Purpose (1985); and Reggae Radio Station (1987).
- In 1989, the band released “Forbidden Love,” co-written by Rupert “Gypsy” Bent III and incorporating rap by Daddy-O of Stetsasonic.
- Marking 20 years as a group, Third World released Committed in 1993. Songs such as “Give the People What They Need” reaffirmed the band’s roots, while “Riddim Haffe Rule,” “Committed” and “Mi Legal” expanded its sound with computerized dancehall, DJ grooves and reggae-infused hip-hop.
- In 1997, Michael “Ibo” Cooper and drummer Willie Stewart left the band. They were replaced by keyboardist Herbie Harris, formerly with Maxi Priest, and drummer Tony “Ruption” Williams, formerly with Jimmy Cliff.
- At different times, the group was contracted to Island Records, Columbia Records, Mercury Records, CBS and Third World Productions.
- To commemorate more than 30 years together, Third World launched its annual Third World and Friends concert on the lawns of King’s House in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2004. Held on December 27, the concert featured Jamaican musicians including Gregory Isaacs, Tony Rebel, Damian Marley, Richie Stephens, Beres Hammond, Cocoa Tea, Sly & Robbie and many more.
- At the time of this biography, Third World had released 23 albums, as well as solo projects from lead singer Bunny Rugs and guitarist Cat Coore.
Management and Bookings
Victor E. Lewis
VicRae Inc.
347-216-6885 (U.S.A.)
876-582-3970 (Jamaica)
Skype: VicRaeInc.
vicraeinc@gmail.com
Media and Publicity
Triple 7 Entertainment LLC
201-981-6960 (U.S.A.) / BBM: 25E27236
876-475-5841 (Jamaica) / BBM: 24A6C98B
Skype: Stacey.Triple7
media@triple7entllc.com
Official Links
Third World on Facebook
Third World Band website
This biography and photograph were reproduced from the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Media Press Kit.