After 33 years of smash hit songs, sold-out tours and inspirational messages, one may
wonder, "Where did it all begin? What gives Third World the staying power so rare in the
music industry?" Third World is more than just one of the top Reggae bands of all time, it is
an institution that stands for producing and performing music that, while holding firm to the
cultural and ancestral roots of its members, still pushes forward the cutting edge of music
worldwide. It is an institution whose themes are positive, progressive and internationally
relevant.
Formed in 1973, Third World is committed to the excellence of reggae music by combining
Jamaican Reggae and Folk music with all strains of African Rhythms, American Pop, Rhythm & Blues, Rap and Classical music. Third World is one of the ongest running and most
diverse bands Jamaica has ever produced. Born out of a drive to write and perform original
material incorporating reggae, rock and funk, and a desire to tour and take music to a wider
audience, Third World was conceived.
In 1973, a teenaged Guitarist, Cellist and Singer named Stephen 'Cat' Coore - then with the
Inner Circle Band - left the safety of the 'Circle' to pursue this dream. 'Cat' and a fellow
musician from another band, conceived and launched the band Third World. Soon they
were joined by Michael 'Ibo' Cooper on keyboards and vocals, and recruited bassist, Richie
Daley, drummer Carl Barovier, Irvin 'Carrot' Jarrett on percussion and on lead vocals, Milton
'Prilly' Hamilton. Their Kingston premiere in 1974 playing reggae and funk, earned them
great reviews and gigs, as they were the only group of that era composed of young,
talented, trained instrumentalists who could sing and would take chances on musical
grounds others feared to tread.
A few months later, they were opening for the Jackson Five at the Jamaican National
Stadium, where they stunned the 30,000 plus audience with their versatility and
professionalism. Before long, they were playing in England where Island Records' Chris
Blackwell saw them perform. Blackwell immediately offered them a record deal and a slot
on a European tour, opening for one of his artistes, Bob Marley and The Wailers. 'THIRD
WORLD', their debut album in 1976, featured the hypnotic "Satta Amasa Gana". It was
closely followed in 1977 by the legendary album, "96 DEGREES IN THE SHADE"- released to
rave reviews in Europe and the U. K. including open salutes to Ras Tafari like "Jah Glory",
Bunny Wailer's "Dreamland", and of course, the classic title track, "1865 (96 Degrees In The
Shade)".
This album also heralded the arrival of new drummer, Willie Stewart and of soulful new lead
singer, William 'Bunny Rugs' Clark (another ex-Inner Circle member). This combination of
'Rugs', 'Richie', 'Cat', 'Carrot', 'Willie' and 'Ibo' proved to be the formula for success as their
next album, 'JOURNEY TO ADDIS' (1978), spawned the worldwide Top Ten hit "Now That
We Found Love" (a disco-Reggae remake of an O'Jays tune). In 1979 this commercial
pattern was furthered by the album 'THE STORY'S BEEN TOLD', with tracks like "Talk To
Me", "Irie Ites" and the sweet, swaying "Always Around". At the dawn of a new decade,
Third World released not one but two new projects: their final album with Island, 'ARISE IN
HARMONY' and also music on the Island soundtrack for the film, 'PRISONER IN THE
STREET'. But with this dawning swiftly came the shattering closure to the most important
chapter in the history of reggae music - the passing of Bob Marley. This closure was marked
by two events in particular. The release of Stevie Wonder's tribute to Marley, "Master
Blaster (Jammin')"; and the salute to Bob by Third World at Reggae Sunsplash that
summer, during which Wonder joined Third World onstage to perform "Master Blaster".
The magic that filled the air that early summer morning was harnessed by Wonder who
quickly wrote, produced and arranged Third World's next international blockbuster, released
in 1982, "Try Jah Love". This song became the group's anthem, solidifying them in the
archives of musical history as the promoters of love and spirituality. Then there was "Lagos
Jump" (1983) - which featured legendary U.S. players like Gerald Albright and the Earth,
Wind and Fire horn section - "Sense of Purpose" in 1985 and "Reggae Radio Station"
(1987). These singles kept Third World's seat in the charts warm, until their next smash
pounced on the world in 1989, "Forbidden Love". Co-written by Rupert 'Gypsy' Bent III this
song illustrated the group's focus on the outer boundaries of music, incorporating Rap by
Daddy-O from Stetsasonic.
Punctuating 20 years as a group, Third World expressed its dedication with the album ‘COMMITTED' (1993). The songs reaffirmed their roots like the Ska-sound of "Give The
People What They Need", and stretched their limits to incorporate computerized Dancehall,
DJ grooves and also reggae-fied Hip-Hop in tunes such as "Riddim Haffe Rule", "Committed"
and "Mi Legal". This openness to new paths in music led to a crossroads in the evolution of
the band in 1997 - the departure of Michael 'Ibo' Cooper, and of drummer Willie Stewart,
who decided to take their musical development down different avenues.
This void was readily filled by Herbie Harris (formerly with Maxi Priest), who assumed the
role of keyboardist and Drummer Tony 'Ruption' Williams (formerly with Jimmy Cliff). Says
'Cat' of the new Worl'ers: "To tell you the truth, the new members have adapted very well.
When people come to see this new band they may be a bit taken aback. The sound, the
way the band is playing now, is the best it's ever been." Remaining one of the Founding
Fathers of Reggae, Third World is clearly set to propel itself into the 21st century, affirming
that good music and great talent is limitless, bridging the dimensions of culture, of category
and of everlasting time.
The group, at different times, was contracted to Island Records, Columbia Records, Mercury
Records, CBS and Third World Productions. Third World opened for Bob Marley & The
Wailers on their 1975 European Tour, and performed on some of his recordings. They have
remained a force in keeping Reggae on the international music scene, yet still remaining
true to their roots. To commemorate more than 30 years together Third World launched
their annual THIRD WORLD AND FRIENDS concert on the lawns of KINGS HOUSE in
Kingston Jamaica in 2004. The concert is held every year on December 27. Third World and
friends featured many of Jamaica's greatest musicians such as Gregory Isaacs, Tony Rebel,
Damian Marley, Richie Stevens, Beres Hammond, Cocoa Tea, Sly & Robbie and many more.
For more than 30 years, Third World has continued to blaze new trails for Reggae Music.
The group has traveled around the world several times spreading the message of Peace,
Love, & Unity for which they have truly lived up to their title as Reggae Ambassadors. To
date, Third World has released a total of 22 albums as well as solo projects from Lead
Singer Bunny Rugs and Guitarist Cat Coore. Awards include: Recipients of the 1986 "United
Nations Peace Medal," 1992 and 1996 Jamaica Music Industry awards for Best Show Band,
10 nominations for the Grammy Awards and an induction on the Reggae Walk of Fame.
Albums include: Third World, 96 Degrees in the Shade, Journey to Addis, Prisoner in the
Street, The Story's been Told, Arise in Harmony, Rock the World, Sense of Purpose, You've Got the Power, Hold on to Love, Serious Business, Committed, Live it Up, Generation
Coming, Ain't Givin' Up and their new album Black Gold and Green.
International hit singles include: the cover version of Gamble &Huff's, "Now That We've
Found Love," "96 Degrees in the Shade," "Cool Meditation," "Dancing on the Floor," "Try Jah
Love," written by Stevie Wonder "Sense of Purpose," "Forbidden Love," "Reggae
Ambassador," "Committed," and "Reggae Party." As Third World says, "If it's music, sweet
music, let it play."
For more information, visit www.thirdworldband.com. For management and bookings,
please contact Victor Lewis of VicRae Inc. by calling 347-216-6885 (USA), 876-582-3970
(Jamaica), Skype: vicraeinc or email vicraeinc@gmail.com. For media inquiries, please
contact Triple 7 Entertainment LLC by calling 201-981-6960 (USA), 876-475-5841(Jamaica)
or email media@triple7entllc.com.
DISCOGRAPHY
Third World (1976)
96 Degrees in the Shade (1977)
Journey to Addis (1978)
The Story’s Been Told (1979)
Arise In Harmony (1980)
Prisoner in the Street (1980)
Rock The World (1981)
You’ve Got The Power (1982)
All The Way Strong (1983)
Reggae Greats (1984)
Sense of Purpose (1985)
Hold On to Love (1987)
Serious Business (1989)
Committed (1992)
The Best of Third World (1993)
Reggae Ambassadors (1993)
Live It Up (1994)
Generation Coming (1999)
Aint Givin’ Up (2003)
BUNNY RUGS
Bunny Rugs and Upsetters
To Love Somebody (1974)
Talking To You (1995)
On Soul (2000)
CAT COORE
Uptown Rebel (1997).
YOUTUBE LINKS
Third World Band –
“Satta Massagana” - Melkweg, Amsterdam 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNPPSkSZYoA
Third World Band –
“Try Jah Love” - Melkweg, Amsterdam 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiRMKvc5p_8
Third World Band - Live in Prague 2009 (Ruption MJ Tribute)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmKEg9p2k2k
Third World Band, Wyclef Jean & Stevie Wonder –
“Now That We’ve Found Love”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyg2B39hDPE&feature=related
Third World Band –
“96 Degrees in the Shade” (Live at Sunsplash 83 - Jamaica)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98hGHjPNo9k
Third World Band –
“Reggae Ambassador”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T87nQx09S4M
Third World Band and Mayara Band (Reggae Music) - Festival Casablanca
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BnSxyPOu70 
