Kingston, Jamaica — Milton “Prilly” Hamilton, the unique lead vocalist for the famend reggae band Third World, handed away in Florida on February 17 on the age of 74. Hamilton had been hospitalized in Kingston in early January and had just lately traveled to Florida for additional therapy of an undisclosed sickness.
Willie Stewart, former drummer of Third World, paid tribute to Hamilton, emphasizing his pivotal position within the band’s early life. “Prilly stood out to me as a really disciplined, hard-working member with sure obligations that he took severely, like his lead vocals, harmonies, and his obligation as accountant for the band,” Stewart remarked. He additionally highlighted Hamilton’s musical versatility, noting, “Prilly additionally performed drums and had a terrific really feel for percussion; together with Carrot [percussionist Irvin Jarrett], he gave the band nice tapestry and rhythmic pulse.”
Shaped in 1973 by keyboardist Michael “Ibo” Cooper and guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore, Third World shortly established itself within the reggae scene. Hamilton, because the band’s authentic lead singer, was instrumental in shaping their early sound. He lent his vocals to their self-titled debut album, launched in 1976 underneath Island Data. Shortly after its launch, Hamilton departed from the group to pursue enterprise pursuits in printing however continued his musical journey with solo singles, together with “Stunning Folks.”
Reflecting on their post-Third World collaboration, Stewart shared, “After his departure from the band, we turned nearer mates and would work on authentic songs. He was the right go-to individual as he might sing and interpret the precise really feel and temper for a track.” Their bond remained sturdy through the years, culminating in Hamilton’s visitor efficiency at Stewart’s “Rhythms Of Africa” present in Miramar, Florida, final March, which honored the late Michael “Ibo” Cooper, who handed away in October 2023.
Hamilton’s passing marks one other important loss for the Third World household. Along with Cooper, the band has mourned the deaths of singer Bunny Rugs in 2014, percussionist Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett in 2018, drummer Cornel Marshall in 2024, and guitarist Rupert Bent Jr. in January 2025.
Milton “Prilly” Hamilton is survived by his 5 kids, six grandchildren, and quite a few brothers and sisters. His contributions to reggae music and his position in Third World’s early success have left an indelible mark on the style.
For these wishing to revisit Hamilton’s musical legacy, his performances with Third World and his solo works stay timeless items of reggae historical past.
