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Third World Band honoured on Love and Harmony Cruise

Musicians reveal new album in production

Published:Tuesday | April 11, 2023 | 12:59 AMStephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer
Members of Third World band show their appreciation after they are honoured on stage the Love and Harmony Cruise by Ronnie Tomlinson, public relations and communications manager, who presented them with a plaque from the organisers in recognition of their
Members of Third World band show their appreciation after they are honoured on stage the Love and Harmony Cruise by Ronnie Tomlinson, public relations and communications manager, who presented them with a plaque from the organisers in recognition of their 50 years in the music industry.

Marking the Third World band’s golden anniversary, Ronnie Tomlinson, public relations and communications manager of the Love and Harmony Cruise, presented the musicians with an honorary award to express gratitude for their contribution to the cruise and to the culture, following their performance at the Solid Love All-White Concert last Friday night.

“For five decades, Third World has been an essential part of the global music scene, spreading messages of love, unity, and positivity through their unparalleled sound. Through their music, Third World has become an ambassador for Jamaica, showcasing the beauty and culture of the island to the world. Their influence and contributions to reggae music are immeasurable, and they have inspired generations of artistes to follow in their footsteps,” Tomlinson said in her speech.

She added, “As we celebrate this special milestone, let us not forget the impact that Third World has had on the world. Their music has transcended borders and brought people together, breaking down cultural barriers and promoting a message of harmony…here’s to another 50 years of their music, continuing to inspire us all.”

Founding member and multi-instrumentalist Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore could hardly find the words to express gratitude on behalf of the band, who he referred to as “family”. As he and Tony ‘Ruption’ Williams, the percussionist of the group passed the crystal facet tower trophy to the each other, Coore said, “Love and Harmony, my family here, breeze nearly blow me down, but you hold me up. Nuff respect and love, gentlemen, this is yours.”

Speaking to The Gleaner, he said, “There is definitely more work to be done,” which, ironically, is the name of their 2020 Grammy-nominated work, produced by Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley.

Third World holds the record of having nine Grammy Award nominations but no wins thus far, for which Coore, offered, “we feel honoured each time”.

Their first-ever Grammy Award nomination was for Best Ethnic of Traditional Folk Recording for Reggae Sunsplash ’81: A Tribute to Bob Marley in the 25th Annual Grammy Award in 1983 on which they had two songs, Rock The World and the hit single 1865 (96 Degrees in the Shade). The album featured other bands such as Steel Pulse, Mighty Diamonds, and Black Uhuru, as well as Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, I Three, Carlene Davis, Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown.

In the Best Reggae Album category, Third World’s nominations include Hold On To Love (1988); Serious Business (1990); Committed (1993); Live It Up (1996); Generation Coming (2000); Ain’t Giving Up (2004); Black, G old and Green (2006); and More Work To Be Done (2020).

Coore revealed that the band is already working with Jr Gong on the production of a new album, “which hopefully can be done in time for submission to the awards’ committee later this year”.

“As soon as we have more information to give, we will inform our supporters. Right now, we are just extremely grateful for the love and respect we have been getting and hope we can contribute more to the culture,” Coore continued.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com