Reggae Giant Cat Coore Dies at 69, Silencing a Legendary Voice That Carried Jamaica’s Sound to the World

The global music world is mourning the sudden death of Stephen “Cat” Coore, the celebrated co-founder of iconic reggae band Third World. The veteran musician passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 69, shocking fans and fellow artists across generations. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that helped redefine reggae on the world stage.

News of Coore’s passing first emerged through Jamaican media before his family confirmed it publicly. A message shared on his official Instagram page showed the musician performing live, guitar in hand. The short tribute carried deep emotion and quickly spread across social media. Almost immediately, messages of grief and respect followed from around the world.

Cat Coore stood out for his musical range. He mastered both the guitar and the cello with ease. More importantly, he dared to experiment. He pushed reggae beyond its traditional sound. Through Third World, he blended reggae with soul, funk, pop, jazz, rock, R&B and classical music. As a result, the band created a sound that felt global but remained rooted in Jamaica.

As a founding member and musical director, Coore played a key role in defining Third World’s signature style. The band rose to international fame and helped introduce reggae to wider audiences. Their music crossed borders and generations. It also carried strong cultural messages wrapped in smooth, accessible melodies.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness led national tributes. He described Coore as a towering figure in Jamaica’s cultural history. Holness praised his ability to blend technical brilliance with cultural depth. He said Coore’s work carried Jamaica’s rhythm and spirit to every corner of the world.

Following the announcement, tributes flooded social media. Fans shared memories of concerts and favourite songs. Fellow musicians hailed his discipline and creativity. Industry leaders credited him with expanding reggae’s global reach. Many described him as humble and deeply committed to his craft.

Cat Coore is survived by his wife, Lisa, his children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen and Ashley, and several grandchildren. While his passing was sudden, his influence remains strong.

Though his strings have fallen silent, his music endures. His sound lives on. His legacy remains firmly woven into the fabric of global reggae.