Third World (band)

Last updated

Third World
ThirdWorld7.jpg
Third World performing at Reggae Geel 2022
Background information
Origin Kingston, Jamaica
Genres Reggae fusion [1]
Years active1973 (1973)–present
Labels Cleopatra, Island, Columbia, Mercury, Third World Music Group
MembersStephen "Cat" Coore
Richard Daley
Tony "Ruption" Williams
Norris "Noreiga" Webb
AJ Brown
Past members Michael "Ibo" Cooper
Irvin "Carrot" Jarrett
Carl Barovier
Milton "Prilly" Hamilton
Bunny Rugs
Willie Stewart
Rupert "Gypsy" Bent III
Leroy "Baarbe" Romans
Mikel Wallace
Herbie Harris
Robbie Lynn
Pablo Stewart Maurice Gregory
Website thirdworldband.com

Third World is a Jamaican reggae fusion band formed in 1973. Their sound is influenced by soul, funk and disco. Although it has undergone several line-up changes, Stephen "Cat" Coore and Richard Daley have been constant members.

Contents

History

1970s

Third World started when keyboard player Michael "Ibo" Cooper and guitarist (and cellist) Stephen "Cat" Coore (son of former Deputy Prime Minister David Coore), 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. [2] [3] 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 before making their live debut in early 1974. [2]

After recording some tracks with Geoffrey Chung which went unreleased, the band's first single was the self-produced "Railroad Track" (1974). [2] In their early days they played primarily in Kingston's hotels and nightclubs and (along with The Wailers) supported The Jackson Five when they played at the Jamaican National Stadium. [2]

They were soon signed by Island Records and toured Europe with The Wailers. [2] The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1976. The album included a cover of "Satta Massagana", originally performed by The Abyssinians, which became a local hit. Hamilton and Cornell Marshall (who had replaced Barovier earlier) were replaced by two more former Inner Circle members, singer William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke and drummer Willie Stewart, before the recording of their second album, 96° in the Shade (1977), which included several local hits. Notable among its eight tracks were "1865 (96° in the Shade)", a reference to the 1865 Morant Bay rebellion, "Rhythm of Life" and the album's only cover, "Dreamland", written by Bunny Wailer. [2] They played in front of 80,000 people at the Smile Jamaica festival in 1976. [2]

In 1977, the band collaborated with psychiatrist Frederick Hickling on the Explanitations show that was performed at Kingston's Little Theatre early the following year. [4]

1980s

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 . After its initial recording, the single was remixed at the behest of Island Records Special Projects division head, Alex Masucci, [5] with new vocals and an uptempo beat. "Now That We Found Love" became a hit single on both sides of the Atlantic in 1978, reaching the top 10 in the UK. [2] Journey to Addis became a top thirty hit album in the UK. [2]

They had first met Stevie Wonder in Jamaica in 1976, and the single prompted him to perform with them at the Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1981 in the wake of Bob Marley's death, playing his tribute to Marley, "Master Blaster". [2] [6] Third World went on to perform several times at the festival, and they also took part in the "Reggae Sunsplash USA" tour in 1985. [7] Wonder also wrote, along with Melody A McCully, their 1982 hit "Try Jah Love", which brought them further exposure in North America. [2] [8] [9] They were also guests during the third season of SCTV.

In 1983, Third World had crossover success on the UK jazz-funk scene with their reggae single "Lagos Jump" largely thanks to Robbie Vincent [10] and Jeff Young who played the 12-inch version on their Radio London shows. The track also became popular on the London club scene and in particular at Flicks in Dartford.

Telstar Records released a double-album compilation in 1983 which collected up all the mainstream club extended versions and remixes by artists and groups that had enjoyed relatively good UK chart success between 1981 and 1983. Entitled In the Groove, the compilation's lead track on Part Two was Third World's extended version of "Dancing on the Floor (Hooked on Love)". [11] The track had originally been released in 1981 in 7-inch edited and 12-inch extended versions, and included on Third World's Rock the World album. With the release of the Telstar compilation, this brought about an upsurge of interest in Third World's dancefloor output and certainly paved the way for the next two years recordings with Columbia Records (CBS).

In 1985, the group's focus steered by a shifting music scene, brought about a stylistic change in musical direction with the release of "Sense of Purpose". The single was released as a 7-inch edit and 12-inch extended version and later was reissued as a Shep Pettibone club remix. [12] Whilst the single was popular, it only made the lower ends of the UK charts. The 12-inch extended version was released with an instrumental plus the full length version of their 1983 crossover hit "Lagos Jump" which almost certainly boosted the sales of "Sense of Purpose".

In the same year, "Now That We've Found Love" returned to the UK charts again as Paul Hardcastle decided to release a club remix, similar to his D-Train remix, [13] putting the Hardcastle signature sound of electronic keyboards on the track and reverbing the opening vocal. Whilst the remix was a UK hit, the remix had seemingly lost its reggae roots and the Hardcastle remix has since largely been forgotten in the decades that have followed. The result being that most DJs and radio stations have returned to the original reggae version.

Amid claims of artistic differences, "Carrot" split from the band in the mid-1980s. [2] The resulting five-piece band then went on to record more commercial albums such as Sense of Purpose, Reggae Ambassador, Forbidden Love, and Committed.

Their version of "Now That We've Found Love" was used as the basis of Heavy D's 1991 hit rap version. [1] In 1992, they returned to work with Stephen Stewart and Geoffrey Chung on the album Committed. [1]

2000s-present

Despite several more line-up changes, including the departures of Cooper and Stewart, and a decline in mainstream success, the band is still recording and performing up to the present day, including in front of a television audience at the Cricket World Cup 2007 Opening Ceremony in Trelawny.

In 2008 the band received a lifetime achievement award from Charles Drew University. [14]

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. Throughout 2013, the group completed a 40th anniversary world tour. Illness forced Clarke to miss the European shows, with AJ Brown standing in as lead vocalist. [15] Clarke later died on 2 February 2014 in a hospital in Orlando, Florida, while battling cancer. Brown was announced as Bunny Rugs' permanent replacement. [16]

Their 21st album, Under the Magic Sun, was released in June 2014 on Cleopatra Records, featuring vocals from past members, including Bunny Rugs, Brown, Coore, and Maurice Gregory. [17]

Irvin "Carrot" Jarrett died on 31 July 2018, aged 69. [18]

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. [19]

Michael "Ibo" Cooper died on 12 October 2023, aged 71. [20]

Musical style

While the band played roots reggae, they have also incorporated other styles into their music, and it was the initial influence of The Wailers that prompted the formation of the band to take on a new direction that combined reggae with other genres. [2] The pop-oriented sound has given rise to criticism of the band over the years, with reggae purists uncomfortable with their incorporation of American soul and R&B into their sound. [6] [8] [21] The band have played also folk-pop, hard rock, bossa nova, rap, light pop-jazz, doo-wop and calypso. [9] [22] [23] Their style has been described as reggae fusion. [1] [24] Bunny Rugs described the band's sound: "Strictly a reggae band, no. Definitely a reggae band, yes." [1] Cat Coore said of their music: "The hybrid of various types of music is a natural thing because, by growing up in Jamaica, we know the direct roots of reggae and ska. At the same time we live in a country where you get to hear Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and all the R&B artists." [6] Bassist Richard Daley said "we took roots reggae music and put branches on top of it". [6]

Members

Stephen "Cat" Coore of Third World performing at Reggae Geel 2022 ThirdWorld5.jpg
Stephen "Cat" Coore of Third World performing at Reggae Geel 2022
Current members
Former members

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
TitleYearLabelPeak chart positions
UK
[25] 		US
[26] 		US R&B
[26]
Third World 1976 Island ———
96° in the Shade 1977———
Journey to Addis 1978305514
The Story's Been Told 1979—157—
Arise in Harmony1980———
Rock the World1981 CBS 3718650
You've Got the Power1982Columbia876320
All the Way Strong1983CBS—13750
Sense of Purpose1985—11942
Hold on to Love1987Columbia———
Serious Business 1989 Mercury —10730
Rock the World1990Columbia———
Committed1992Mercury——51
Live It Up1995Bud Music———
Generation Coming1999Déclic Communication———
The Story's Been ToldIsland———
Ain't Givin' Up2003 Shanachie ———
Riddim Haffa Rule2004Music Avenue———
Black Gold Green2006Nocturne———
Patriots2010Third World Music Group———
Under the Magic Sun2014Cleopatra———
More Work to Be Done2019Ghetto Youths International———
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Live albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
TitleYearLabelPeak chart positions
UK
[25] 		US
[26] 		US R&B
[26]
Prisoner in the Street1980Island—18659
Dedicated to Stevie Wonder1982Buccaneer———
Third World Live2001Tabou 1———
Live in Hawaii & Jamaica2002———
Music Hall in Concert2007Membran Music———
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Compilations

List of albums, with selected chart positions
TitleYearLabelPeak chart positions
UK
[25] 		US
[26]
Reggae Greats1985Island——
Reggae Ambassadors1994Chronicles——
The Best of Third World1993Sony——
Greatest Hits1995Columbia——
25th Anniversary2001BMG——
Now That We've Found Love2004Charly——
Tuff Mi Tuff2006Noble Price——
The Best of Third World: The Millennium Collection2007Island——
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions
TitleYearLabelPeak chart positions
AUS
[27] 		UK
[25] [28] 		US
[29] 		US R&B
[29] 		US Dance
[29]
"Railroad Track"1975Island—————
"96º in the Shade"1977—————
"Now That We Found Love"1978—10479—
"Cool Meditation"—17———
"One Cold Vibe (Couldn't Stop Dis Ya Boogie)"1979—————
"Tonight for Me"—————
"The Story's Been Told"—————
"Talk to Me"—56———
"Always Around"Jah's Music/Island—————
"Street Fighting"1980Cav Lip—————
"Rooths with Quality"Observers—————
"Dancing on the Floor (Hooked on Love)"1981CBS—10—88—
"Standing in the Rain"—————
"Try Jah Love"198255471012317
"You're Playing Us Too Close"Columbia—————
"Ride On"CBS—————
"Love Is Out to Get You"1983—————
"Lagos Jump"—————
"Sense of Purpose"1985———5145
"One More Time"—99——8
"One to One"Columbia———76—
"Now That We Found Love" (re-issue)Island—22———
"Hold on to Love"1987CBS—————
"Over Due"Jah's Music—————
"The Spirit Lives"Columbia—————
"It's the Same Old Song"1989Mercury—80—77—
"Forbidden Love"———17—
"Live in the Balance"1991Jah's Music—————
"Committed"1992Mercury———27—
"Talk to Me" (re-issue)1994Great Jones————19
"Dem Man Deh"1996Taxi—————
"Baltimore"1997—————
"Reggae Party" (feat. Shaggy)1999Eagle—————
"Dread Eyes"2000Reggae Blitz—————
"Ya Ya Ya Jamaica"2001BMG—————
"96 Degrees Cover (2nd Generation)" (feat. Stephen and Damian Marley)2011Third World Music Group—————
"Loving You Is Easy"2018Ghetto Youths International—————
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Third World have received nine nominations. [30]

YearNominee / workAwardResult
1983 Reggae Sunsplash '81: A Tribute to Bob Marley Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording Nominated
1988 Hold On to Love Best Reggae Album Nominated
1990 Serious BusinessNominated
1993 CommittedNominated
1996 Live It UpNominated
2000 Generation ComingNominated
2004 Ain't Givin' UpNominated
2006 Black Gold & GreenNominated
2020 More Work to Be DoneNominated

Related Research Articles

<i>Liberation</i> (Bunny Wailer album) 1989 studio album by Bunny Wailer

Liberation is an album by the Jamaican musician Bunny Wailer, released in 1989 through Shanachie Records. Wailer supported the album with a North American tour. It was nominated for a Grammy Award, in the "Best Reggae Recording" category.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Punky Reggae Party</span> 1977 single by Bob Marley

"Punky Reggae Party" is a song by Bob Marley, recorded and released in 1977. Not appearing on any studio album, it was released in 1977 as a 12-inch single in Jamaica only on the Tuff Gong and Lee Perry's Black Art labels, as a B-side to the "Jamming" single on Chris Blackwell's Island Records label in some countries and was later released as a live single on Babylon by Bus. Subsequently, it appeared on a number of compilations and "Best of" albums as well as the Deluxe Edition of Exodus and the 2002 CD reissue of Legend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aswad</span> British reggae group

Aswad are a British reggae group, noted for adding strong R&B and soul influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the mid-1970s, having released a total of 21 albums. Their UK hit singles include the number one "Don't Turn Around" (1988) and "Shine" (1994). "Aswad" is Arabic for "black". They are three-time Grammy Award nominees.

<i>Rastaman Vibration</i> 1976 studio album by Bob Marley and the Wailers

Rastaman Vibration is the eighth studio album by Jamaican reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers, released in April 1976.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bob Marley and the Wailers</span> Jamaican reggae band

Bob Marley and the Wailers were a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae band. The founding members, in 1963, were Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inner Circle (band)</span> Jamaican reggae band

Inner Circle, also known as The Inner Circle Band or The Bad Boys of Reggae, are a Jamaican reggae band formed in Kingston in 1968. The band first backed The Chosen Few in the early 1970s before joining with successful solo artist Jacob Miller and releasing a string of records. This era of the band ended with Miller's death in a car crash in 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Mountain (band)</span> American reggae band

Big Mountain is an American reggae band formed in 1986 at San Diego, California by vocalist Joaquin "Quino" McWhinney. The band gained wide recognition and became known for its cover of Peter Frampton's "Baby, I Love Your Way", which became a top 10 hit single in the US in early 1994, reaching No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 on the Mainstream Top 40 and No. 2 in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Gladiators (band)</span> Jamaican roots reggae band

The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the 1970s. The core was Albert Griffiths, Clinton Fearon and Gallimore Sutherland. Their two most famous albums are Trenchtown Mix Up (1976) and Proverbial Reggae (1978) with songs such as "Hearsay", "Jah Works", "Dreadlocks the Time is Now". "Mix Up", "Music Makers from Jamaica", and "Soul Rebel" – a song written by The Wailers. Gladiators also cooperated with the toaster U-Roy.

Michael "Ibo" Cooper OD was a Jamaican reggae musician and musical educator. He was member of the pop-band Inner Circle and founding member of the reggae band Third World. Third World was originally formed in 1973 by keyboardist Cooper and guitarist/cellist Steven "Cat" Coore. Both had received formal training at different music schools run by their aunt and mother respectively in Jamaica, and both had played around the Kingston reggae scene before joining the original lineup of Inner Circle around 1968, when they left to form their own band in 1973. They took Inner Circle's drummer Carl Barovier and lead singer Milton "Prilly" Hamilton. Colin Leslie was recruited from outside to be the bassist but was quickly replaced by Richard 'Richie' Daley. Barovier was replaced shortly after by Cornell Marshall. The group made its live debut that year at a stage show at the Carib Theatre during Jamaica's Independence Celebration. They played around the Kingston club scene and made a name for themselves as one of the few fully self-contained bands around. He also appeared with reggae artist Burning Spear.

The Skatalites are a ska band from Jamaica. They played initially between 1963 and 1965, and recorded many of their best known songs in the period, including "Guns of Navarone." They also played on records by Prince Buster and backed many other Jamaican artists who recorded during that period, including Bob Marley & The Wailers, on their first single "Simmer Down." They reformed in 1983 and have played together ever since.

<i>Sebastian from The Little Mermaid</i> 1990 studio album by Samuel E. Wright (as Sebastian)

Sebastian from The Little Mermaid is the first of three original albums inspired by Disney's The Little Mermaid film. Many of the songs are cover versions of classic calypso and reggae songs. All of the songs are performed by Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian the crab with the exception of "Dancing Mood" and "Dance the Day Away", performed by Jodi Benson as Ariel, who also joins Sebastian on "Day-O". Jason Marin plays the speaking role of Flounder in the beginning and end of some tracks. The album was recorded in Jamaica and the reggae group Third World performs rhythm tracks and background vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zap Pow</span> Jamaican reggae band

Zap Pow is a Jamaican reggae band, founded by singer/bassist Michael Williams aka Mikey Zappow and guitarist Dwight Pinkney. Members also included singer Beres Hammond, trumpeter David Madden, saxman Glen DaCosta, and drummer Cornell Marshall. They originally existed from 1969 to 1979; they re-formed in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bunny Rugs</span> Musical artist

William Alexander Anthony "Bunny Rugs" Clarke, OD, also known as Bunny Scott, was the lead singer of Jamaican reggae band Third World as well as a solo artist. He began his career in the mid-1960s, and was also at one time a member of Inner Circle and half of the duo Bunny & Ricky.

<i>Welcome to Jamrock</i> 2005 studio album by Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

Welcome to Jamrock is the third studio album by Jamaican reggae/dancehall artist Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley. The album was released on September 12, 2005, in the United Kingdom, and one day later in the United States.

Raging Fyah is five-piece reggae band from Kingston, Jamaica, formed in 2006. They released their first album in 2011, and in 2016 signed to VP Records, with third album Everlasting earning them a Grammy nomination.

<i>Third World</i> (Third World album) 1976 studio album by Third World

Third World is the 1976 debut album of the Jamaican reggae group Third World.

<i>96° in the Shade</i> 1977 studio album by Third World

96° in the Shade is the second album by the Jamaican reggae group Third World, released by Island Records in 1977.

<i>Journey to Addis</i> 1978 studio album by Third World

Journey to Addis is the third album by Jamaican reggae group Third World, released by Island Records in 1978. It marks a shift from pure reggae to a fusion of reggae and soul music. The album reached number 66 in Canada.

<i>The Storys Been Told</i> 1979 studio album by Third World

The Story's Been Told is the fourth studio album by Jamaican reggae group Third World, released by Island Records in 1979.

<i>Carousel</i> (Marcia Griffiths album) 1990 studio album by Marcia Griffiths

Carousel is an album by the Jamaican musician Marcia Griffiths, released in 1990. It was her first solo album for Mango Records.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 McAdams, Janine (25 July 1992). "Third World Puts Reggae On Top". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 30. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 15. ISSN   0006-2510.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Thompson, Dave (2002). Reggae & Caribbean Music. Backbeat Books. pp. 278–280. ISBN   0-87930-655-6.
  3. ↑ Barow, Steve; Dalton, Peter (2004). The Rough Guide to Reggae (3rd ed.). Rough Guides. p. 148. ISBN   1-84353-329-4.
  4. ↑ Hickling, Frederick W. (2012). Psychohistoriography. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. pp. 74–78. ISBN   978-1849053570.
  5. ↑ Sandler, Adam (16 April 1997). "Masucci tops new Island Latin label". Variety . Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Darling, Cary (3 April 1982). "Third World Is Spreading Reggae". Billboard . pp. 34, 37.
  7. ↑ Bishop, Pete (16 April 1985). "Third World shines in 'Reggae Sunsplash'". The Pittsburgh Press . p. B10. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  8. 1 2 Griffin, John (2 July 1982). "Third World spread reggae's message with lots of love – and a little Wonder". Montreal Gazette . p. D1. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  9. 1 2 Holden, Stephen (28 March 1982). "Reggae: The Third World at the Ritz". The New York Times . Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  10. ↑ Robbie Vincent Saturday Show. Radio London. 5 May 1983.
  11. ↑ Telstar Records, In the Groove Part Two, UK Cat Number STAR 2228-B.
  12. ↑ CBS Records, 1985, UK Cat Number TA4993.
  13. ↑ Island Records (Mango) 12IS 219, 1985.
  14. ↑ Cooke, Mel (20 October 2008). "Ambassadors' Honoured – Golden State lauds veteran reggae group Third World". Jamaica Gleaner . Archived from the original on 24 October 2008. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  15. ↑ Walters, Basil (26 August 2013). "Third World wraps world tour". Jamaica Observer . Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  16. ↑ Campbell, Howard (9 February 2014). "Bunny Rugs's final set". Jamaica Observer . Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  17. ↑ "New Album from Third World". Jamaica Observer . 16 May 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  18. ↑ "Carrot Jarret's funeral set for Wednesday". Jamaica Observer . 5 August 2018. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  19. ↑ Campbell, Howard (22 November 2019). "In with fighting chance". Jamaica Observer . Retrieved 24 November 2019.
  20. ↑ "Michael 'Ibo' Cooper is dead at 71". One876Entertainment. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  21. ↑ van Vleck, Philip (31 May 2003). "Third World Ain't Givin' Up". Billboard . p. 60. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  22. ↑ Wartofsky, Alona (16 April 1990). "Third World, From Reggae to Rap". The Washington Post . p. B9.
  23. ↑ Bordowitz, Hank (2004). Noise of the World: Non-Western Musicians in Their Own Words. Soft Skull Press. p. 5. ISBN   9781932360608.
  24. ↑ Saunders, Michael (4 August 1988). "Third World Turns from Reggae to Pop". Sun-Sentinel . p. E9.
  25. 1 2 3 4 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 556. ISBN   1-904994-10-5.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 "Third World - Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
  27. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 308. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  28. ↑ "THIRD WORLD - full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  29. 1 2 3 "Third World Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
  30. ↑ "Third World". 24 June 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.