Third World is a Jamaican reggae fusion band formed in 1973 with a sound influenced by soul, funk and disco. While undergoing several line-up changes, Richard Daley has been a constant member of the band since its inception in 1973.
Third World started when keyboard player Michael "Ibo" Cooper (died 2023) and guitarist (and cellist) Stephen "Cat" Coore (son of former Deputy Prime Minister David Coore) (died 2026) , who had originally played in The Alley Cats and then Inner Circle
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Third World is a Jamaican reggae fusion band formed in 1973 with a sound influenced by soul, funk and disco. While undergoing several line-up changes, Richard Daley has been a constant member of the band since its inception in 1973.
Third World started when keyboard player Michael "Ibo" Cooper (died 2023) and guitarist (and cellist) Stephen "Cat" Coore (son of former Deputy Prime Minister David Coore) (died 2026) , who had originally played in The Alley Cats and then Inner Circle, subsequently left to form their own band along with Inner Circle singer Milton "Prilly" Hamilton (died 2025). They recruited bassist Richard Daley, formerly of Ken Boothe's band and Tomorrow's Children, and added drummer Carl Barovier and former Inner Circle percussionist Irvin "Carrot" Jarrett (died 2018) before making their live debut in early 1974. William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke was lead singer from 1976 until his death in 2014. He was succeeded by A. J. Brown.
They were soon signed by Island Records and toured Europe with The Wailers. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1976.
Their second album, 96° in the Shade, was released in 1977.
Third World's greatest success came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, peaking with their cover version of The O'Jays' "Now That We Found Love" from their third album Journey to Addis.
In 2008 the band received a lifetime achievement award from Charles Drew University.
In January 2013, the group was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay as they celebrated their 40th year in music.
Their 21st album, Under the Magic Sun, was released in June 2014 on Cleopatra Records.
The group's 2019 album More Work to be Done received a nomination for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category, their eighth nomination in the category.
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…shrink me down again
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