THIRD WORLD BAND

A. Formed in 1973 by Guitarist, Cellist and Singer named Stephen 'Cat' Coore - then with the Inner Circle Band and a fellow musician from another band, conceived and launched the band Third World. Soon they were joined by Michael 'Ibo' Cooper on keyboards and vocals, and bassist, Richie Daley, drummer Carl Barovier, Irvin 'Carrot' Jarrett on percussion and on lead vocals, Milton 'Prilly' Hamilton.

B. In 1974, they opened for the Jackson Five at the Jamaican National Stadium.

C. In 1975, 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, opening for one of his artistes, Bob Marley and The Wailers.

D. In 1976, they debut their album, 'THIRD WORLD', which featured the hypnotic "Satta Massagana".

E. In 1977, they followed up with "96 DEGREES IN THE SHADE"- released to rave reviews in Europe and the U.K. including open salutes to Ras Tafari like "Jah Glory", Bunny Wailer's "Dreamland", and the classic title track, "1865 (96 Degrees In The Shade)". This album also heralded the arrival of new drummer, Willie Stewart and new lead singer, William 'Bunny Rugs' Clark (another ex-Inner Circle member).

F. In 1978, they released, 'JOURNEY TO ADDIS', which spawned the worldwide Top Ten hit "Now That We Found Love" (a disco-Reggae remake of an O'Jays tune).

G. In 1979 this commercial pattern was furthered by the album 'THE STORY'S BEEN TOLD', with tracks like "Talk To Me", "Irie Ites" and "Always Around".

H. At the dawn of a new decade, Third World released not one but two new projects: their final album with Island, 'ARISE IN HARMONY' and also music on the Island soundtrack for the film, 'PRISONER IN THE STREET'.

I. The release of Stevie Wonder's tribute to Marley, "Master Blaster (Jammin')"; and the salute to Bob by Third World at Reggae Sunsplash that summer, during which Wonder joined Third World onstage to perform "Master Blaster".

J. Stevie Wonder wrote, produced and arranged Third World's next international blockbuster, released in 1982, "Try Jah Love." 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).

K. In 1989 they released "Forbidden Love" which was co-written by Rupert 'Gypsy' Bent III and incorporated Rap by Daddy-O from Stetsasonic.

L. Punctuating 20 years as a group, Third World released 'COMMITTED' in (1993). The songs reaffirmed their roots like the Ska-sound of "Give The People What They Need", and stretched their limits to incorporate computerized Dancehall, DJ grooves and also reggae-fied Hip-Hop in tunes such as "Riddim Haffe Rule", "Committed" and "Mi Legal".

M. In 1997 Michael 'Ibo' Cooper and drummer Willie Stewart left the band. They were replaced by keyboardist, Herbie Harris (formerly with Maxi Priest) and drummer, Tony 'Ruption' Williams (formerly with Jimmy Cliff).

N. The group, at different times, was contracted to Island Records, Columbia Records, Mercury Records, CBS and Third World Productions.

O. To commemorate more than 30 years together Third World launched their annual THIRD WORLD AND FRIENDS concert on the lawns of KINGS HOUSE in Kingston Jamaica in 2004. The concert is held every year on December 27. Third World and friends featured many of Jamaica's greatest musicians such as Gregory Isaacs, Tony Rebel, Damian Marley, Richie Stevens, Beres Hammond, Cocoa Tea, Sly & Robbie and many more.

P. To date, Third World has released a total of 23 albums as well as solo projects from Lead Singer Bunny Rugs and Guitarist Cat Coore.

MANAGEMENT AND BOOKINGS
Victor E. Lewis
VicRae Inc.
347-216-6885 (U.S.A)
876-582-3970 (Jamaica)
Skype: VicRaeInc.
vicraeinc@gmail.com

MEDIA/PUBLICITY
Triple 7 Entertainment LLC
201-981-6960 (U.S.A)/BBM:25E27236
876-475-5841 (Jamaica)/BBM:24A6C98B
Skype: Stacey.Triple7
media@triple7entllc.com
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/THIRDWORLD

THIRD WORLD BAND WEBSITES www.thirdworldband.com

This BIO and Photo was reproduced from the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Media Press Kit