Third World

Biography

Third World is a Jamaican reggae fusion band formed in 1973 by keyboardist Michael “Ibo” Cooper and guitarist/cellist Stephen “Cat” Coore, both formerly of Inner Circle, along with singer Milton “Prilly” Hamilton, bassist Richard Daley (from Tomorrow’s Children and Ken Boothe’s band), drummer Carl Barovier, and percussionist Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett. They debuted live at Jamaica’s independence celebration in 1974, recorded their first single “Railroad Track” that year, and signed with Island Records after traveling to England, opening for Bob Marley & the Wailers’ 1975 tour. Their self-titled debut album in 1976 featured a hit cover of “Satta Massagana,” and lineup changes soon followed, with William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke and drummer Willie Stewart replacing Hamilton and Barovier for the 1977 album 96° in the Shade.[1][2][3][4]

The band blended reggae with soul, funk, disco, and pop, achieving crossover success with hits like “Now That We Found Love” (1978), “The Story’s Been Told” (1979), “Dancing on the Floor (Hooked on Love)” (1981), and Stevie Wonder’s “Try Jah Love” (1982). They released albums on Island, CBS, Mercury, and their own TWB label, earning 10 Grammy nominations starting with Hold on to Love (1987). Lineup shifts continued, including Cooper and Stewart’s departure in 1997, replaced by Leroy “Baarbe” Romans and Tony “Ruption” Williams.[1][3][7]

Celebrated as 'Reggae Ambassadors' and one of Jamaica’s longest-running bands (over 50 years), Third World remains active, known for touring and fusing reggae with diverse influences while maintaining Richard Daley as the sole constant member.[3][7][8]

Fun Facts

• Stephen “Cat” Coore is a classical cello prodigy and son of Jamaica’s former Deputy Prime Minister David Coore.
• The band traveled to England in 1975 with no booked dates and secured a major label deal and Bob Marley tour slot as a result.
• Stevie Wonder first met them in Jamaica in 1976 and later wrote their North American hit “Try Jah Love” in 1982.
• They hold 10 Reggae Grammy nominations, starting with their 1987 album Hold on to Love.

Members

• Prilly Hamilton - lead vocals (from 1975 until 1976)
• Willie Stewart - membranophone (from 1976 until 1997)
• AJ Brown
• William Clarke
• Michael “Ibo” Cooper
• Richie Daley
• Maurice Gregory
• Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett
• Cat Coore

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bob Marley & the Wailers - Opened for them on 1975 world tour, providing early international exposure (1975 World Tour) [1975]

Key Collaborators

• Stevie Wonder - Wrote hit single and performed live with the band ("Try Jah Love" single, Reggae Sunsplash 1981) [1976-1982]
• Gamble and Huff - Songwriting collaboration on album (Hold on to Love album) [1987]
• Michael “Ibo” Cooper - Co-founder, keyboardist (until 1997) (Debut albums including Third World (1976)) [1973-1997]
• Stephen “Cat” Coore - Co-founder, guitarist/cellist (Early albums and tours) [1973 onward]
• Richard Daley - Bassist, only constant member since inception (All albums since 1973) [1973-present]
• William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke - Lead singer (replaced Prilly Hamilton) (96° in the Shade (1977) and later albums) [1977 onward]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #classic-pop-and-rock, #pop-reggae, #reggae