Artist Bio:
Third World is more than just one of the top reggae bands of all time, it is an institution — 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.
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.
The year was 1973. A teenaged guitarist, cellist and singer named Stephen "Cat" Coore — then with the Inner Circle Band — left the safety of Circle to pursue this dream. Cat and a fellow musician from another band, Colin Leslie, 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.
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 (who joined the band for that year of touring), this song illustrated the group's focus on the outer boundaries of music, incorporating rap by Daddy-O from Stetsasonic.
However due to Michael "Ibo" Cooper and William Stewart leaving the group, Third World has recruited some of Jamaica's most talented musicians: Herbert "Herbie" Harris, keyboards, and Tony "Ruption" Williams, drums.
The group at different times were contracted to Island Records, Columbia Records, Mercury Records, Third World Productions and now on their new label, Rurica Records.
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 international music ever since. Recipients of the 1986 "United Nations Peace Medal," 1992 and 1996 Jamaica Music Industry awards for Best Show Band, and several nominations for the Grammy Awards. —Courtesy Calabash Music
