Born April 6, 1956, in Kingston, Michael “Cat” Coore was a classically trained musician who helped reggae reach the world. The son of respected Jamaican statesman David Hilton Coore and music teacher Rita Angela Innis Coore, he began cello lessons early and studied at the Foster Davis School of Music. Though offered a scholarship to Juilliard School, he chose to pursue music in Jamaica.
At 12 he discovered the guitar and soon played with Inner Circle before co-founding Third World in 1973. The band signed with Island Records and gained international acclaim with songs like “96° in the Shade” and “Now That We’ve Found Love,” and a historic appearance at the Smile Jamaica Concert alongside Bob Marley.
Honoured with Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in 2005, Cat Coore remained a mentor and quiet champion of musical excellence. During Reggae Month, we remember a musician whose work helped reggae evolve and resonate worldwide.
