A Legend Falls: Cat Coore’s Anguilla Story Lives On Through Bankie Banks and MoonSplash

ALL ANGLES UK January 19, 2026

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The reggae world is shaken by the passing of Stephen “Cat” Coore, the legendary guitarist, cellist, and co‑founder of the iconic Third World band. His death marks the end of a monumental chapter in Caribbean music history. For over five decades, Cat shaped the global soundscape with his unmatched fusion of reggae, soul, funk, and classical influences. His artistry wasn’t just heard — it was felt, deeply, across generations and across borders.

Among the many places touched by his brilliance, Anguilla holds a special place. Cat visited the island multiple times, forging a meaningful musical bond with Omari Banks and his father, the legendary Bankie Banks.

Omari Banks shared his heartfelt condolences on Facebook. Referring to Cat as Uncle Roy.

Their collaborations were more than performances; they were cultural bridges, moments where Jamaican and Anguillian artistry intertwined. Those who witnessed Cat on Anguillian soil remember a man who embraced the island’s warmth, its people, and its creative spirit as if it were an extension of home.

Throughout his career, Cat Coore carved out milestones that few musicians ever reach. As a founding pillar of Third World, he helped create timeless classics and brought the cello into reggae — a bold, unforgettable signature that set him apart. His performances on global stages, his musical direction, and his fearless experimentation cemented him as one of the most innovative minds in Caribbean music. Every note he played carried intention, discipline, and a spiritual depth that made him truly singular.

Today, the world mourns, but Anguilla remembers. The island holds echoes of his laughter, his rehearsals, his jam sessions, and the quiet moments he shared with fellow musicians. Stephen “Cat” Coore leaves behind not only a towering musical legacy, but memories etched into the hearts of those who were blessed to share space with him.

Moonsplash Memories. The legends Bankie Banx, Sheriff Bob & Cat Coore @moonsplashaxa 2025 in beautiful Anguilla

Farewell to a legend whose strings will forever vibrate across the Caribbean and beyond. May his journey onward be as graceful and powerful as the music he gifted to us.