The members of Third World, grew up, as did Bob Marley, in Kingston, Jamaica, and they grew up loving and playing music. And today, they have become popular all over the globe, from Japan to Nigeria, to France, to San Francisco, to New York City to Jamaica, to name but a few cities.
On first meeting Third World in the 70s when they first toured the States, and specifically the San Francisco area, I was surprised at the range and depth of their music, its influence was reggae, R &B, soul, jazz, African, Asian and classical music. When I talked with the members of TW I learned that indeed their arts training ranged from classical music to traditional Jamaican dance performance. Their knowledge and appreciation of American music, especially African American music, ranged from Charles Mingus to War to Aretha Franklin to Otis Redding to John Coltrane.
Third World has a strong commitment to their music, to the people they make music for, the fans who buy their albums and come to their concerts. They have a strong sense of purpose, not only to making music, but to making music that counts--that is activist, responsive, responsible, uplifting, polished and strong.
Over the past 20 years Third World, Michael "Ibo" Cooper, Stephen "Cat" Coore, Richie Daley, Willie "Root" Stewart, and lead vocalists, including William "Rugs" Clarke, has made a very positive impact on World Music. However, in the process they have remained true to their dedication of exploring new musical horizons, of growing, creating, and contributing to working to create a better world.
Selected Discography
Third World (Island) ( 1975, Island)
96 Degrees In The Shade ( 1977, Island)
Journey to Addis (1978, Island)
The Story Has Been Told (1979, Island)
Arise in Harmony (1980, Island)
Prisoner in The Street: Live Recording (1979, Island)
Rock the World (1981, Columbia)
You've Got the Power (1982, Columbia)
All The Way Strong (1983, Columbia)
Sense of Purpose (1985, Columbia)
Awards/Honors/Note Worthy Events
"Now That We've Found Love"--First major hit
"Hooked on Love"--BBC top 10 (1980)
German Black Music Award
Prisoner of War--Cannes Award Winner 1980
Grammy Award Nomination (for participation in the film "Tribute" which honored Bob Marley)
Collaboration with Stevie Wonder on "Try Jah Love"
Platinum Records in Japan
Appearances on such television programs as "Soul Train" "Rock Concert" and "SCTV"
Concert billings with such artists as Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, and the Police
©Nokhanya, 2005
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