Legacy of ‘reggae ambassador’ Cat Coore will live on – Grange

Culture Minister Olivia Grange is hailing legendary Jamaican musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore as a unique talent and a true reggae ambassador, whose passing is a tremendous loss.

Coore, a pioneering co-founder of the iconic reggae band Third World, died suddenly on Sunday evening.

“I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. I know his wife Lisa, his children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, and his grandchildren must be devastated. The Government and people of Jamaica are grateful to them for allowing ‘Cat’ Coore the time to share with us his gift of musical excellence. I also extend a special word of consolation to the musical colleagues who worked closely with Cat,” said Grange in a statement on Monday.

With Third World, Coore delivered hit songs including ‘Reggae Ambassador’, ‘Now That We Found Love’, ‘96 Degrees in the Shade’, and ‘Try Jah Love’.

Before he co-founded Third World, ‘Cat’ Coore was an integral part of the successful reggae group Inner Circle.

“It is no surprise that he was the recipient of a number of awards, including the Order of Distinction,” said Grange.

“We will miss ‘Cat’ Coore’s presence, but there is no doubt that his legacy will live on and continue to inspire current and future generations of musicians. Rest well, Reggae Ambassador.”

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