Third World’s Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, a Jamaican Who Straddled Musical Genres, Dies at 69

Third World’s Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, a Jamaican who straddled musical genres, dies at 69

‘He carried a tone that knew where it came from and therefore knew where it could go’ Originally published on Global VoicesStephen “Cat” Coore of Third World performing at Reggae Geel, 2022. Photo by Peter Verwimp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. It was with shock that Jamaicans learned of the death of one of their most beloved reggae musicians, Stephen “Cat” Coore, who suddenly passed away on January 18, 2026. He is mourned by his wife, Do…

Reggae Legend Stephen “Cat” Coore Dies, Leaving Lasting Legacy in Music and Culture - Commonwealth Union

Leaving the global reggae community in sudden shock and mourning, Stephan “Cat” Coore, who is a founding member as well as a force behind the iconic and legendary Jamaican band Third World, passed away on January 18th of 2026 at the age of 69. His powerful musical legacy reached way beyond Jamaica. Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, described Coore as “The Reggae Ambassador,”, praising his extraordinar…

‘Cat’ Coore, Third World Co-Founder and Reggae Legend, Dies at 69

Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of the iconic reggae band Third World and one of Jamaica’s most revered musicians, has passed away at age 69. According to a statement from his publicist, the celebrated guitarist died suddenly on Sunday evening, sending shockwaves through the global music community. Before forming Third World, Coore was an early member of Inner Circle. He later teamed up with keyboardist Ibo Cooper to establish Third World, a ban…

Stephen "Cat" Coore Passes Away: The Life and Music of a Pioneer

Stephen “Cat” Coore KINGSTON, Jamaica — Guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of the Third World band, died here on January 18 at age 69. A statement from his family confirmed his passing. “It is with profound sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Stephen “Cat” Coore, husband, father, grandfather, and one of Jamaica’s most gifted, influential, and respected musicians on the evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026,” the statemen…

Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, Jamaican music icon and Third World co-founder, dies at 69

Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of legendary reggae band Third World and one of Jamaica’s most respected musicians, has died. The iconic guitarist passed

Stephen 'Cat' Coore, Co-Founder Of Reggae Band Third World, Dead At 69

Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of legendary reggae band Third World, passed away suddenly on Sunday evening. He was 69. A press release issued by Coore's