Reggae legend Stephen “Cat” Coore, founding member of Third World and one of Jamaica’s most influential musicians, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 69. His family confirmed the sudden passing of the beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cultural icon on Sunday evening.
Born on April 6, 1956, Stephen “Cat” Coore was a founding member, guitarist, and musical director of the legendary reggae band Third World. His visionary approach and pioneering fusion of reggae with soul, funk, pop, and rock helped define the reggae-fusion sound and propelled Jamaican music onto the global stage. Under his musical leadership, Third World achieved international success with timeless classics such as Now That We’ve Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade, and Try Jah Love, cementing the group’s status as one of Jamaica’s longest-running and most successful bands.
Widely celebrated for his exceptional musicianship, compositional brilliance, and deep musical knowledge, Coore was regarded as a cultural ambassador who elevated reggae music and inspired generations of artists both in Jamaica and around the world.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Jamaican culture and the creative arts, Stephen “Cat” Coore was awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) by the Government of Jamaica in 2005, honoring his decades of service to music and his role in promoting Jamaica’s cultural legacy worldwide.
He is survived by his wife Lisa; his children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley; his grandchildren; and a wide circle of extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and countless fans across the globe.
