The music world mourns the passing of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the legendary Jamaican musician who reshaped reggae history through his unwavering dedication to cultural authenticity. His daughter Kanna Coore recently shared intimate reflections with the Sunday Observer about her father’s extraordinary journey from classical prodigy to reggae ambassador.
In a defining moment that would chart his destiny, Coore made the radical choice to decline a prestigious scholarship to New York’s Juilliard School—the pinnacle of classical music education—to pursue his passion for Jamaican rhythms. This decision, made against conventional wisdom, ultimately positioned him as a foundational member of the iconic band Third World and earned him the revered title of ‘Reggae Ambassador’.
Kanna describes her father as someone who ‘ate, drank, slept, and breathed music,’ with Jamaica representing more than just homeland—it was a spiritual commitment. ‘He believed in Jamaica as if it were a religion,’ she noted, emphasizing how her father’s off-stage persona mirrored his artistic integrity. His performances carried the same technical precision and emotional depth that would have graced the world’s most prestigious concert halls, yet he remained devoted to sharing Jamaica’s musical heritage globally.
Beyond his musical achievements, Coore’s parenting philosophy reflected his artistic principles. He cultivated an environment of trust and freedom, never pressuring his children to follow specific paths despite their grandfather’s legal career. Two of his sons naturally gravitated toward music—Stephen Jr. on guitar and Shiah on bass—discovering their passions independently. ‘He trusted our decisions and our choices. He trusted us as humans,’ Kanna recounted.
The most enduring lesson Coore imparted was the courage to pursue one’s authentic path. By witnessing her father fearlessly follow his reggae dream despite societal expectations, Kanna learned that true success emerges from forging uniquely personal journeys. ‘We knew we could take risks because his life showed us that there is always the possibility of things working out,’ she explained.
Coore’s legacy extends beyond musical innovation to encompass his roles as devoted father, philanthropist, and humanitarian. His sudden passing on January 18 has created a profound void in both Jamaican and international music communities, though his influence continues to resonate through the countless lives he touched and the cultural barriers he broke.