After a quarter-century of smash hit songs, sold-out tours and inspirational messages, one may well wonder, “Where did it all begin? What gives Third World the staying power so rare in the music industry?” Third World is more than just one of the top reggae bands of all time, it is an institution. An institution that stands for producing and performing music that, while holding firm to the cultural and ancestral roots of its’ members, still pushes forward the cutting edge of music worldwide. It is an institution whose themes are positive, progressive and internationally relevant. Born out of an expression of respect for Bob Marley, a drive to write and perform original material incorporating reggae, rock and funk, and a desire to tour and take music to a wider audience, Third World was conceived.   Their Kingston premiere in 1974 playing funk and reggae, earned them great reviews and gigs, as they were the only group of that era composed of young, talented, trained instrumentalists who could sing and would take chances on musical grounds others feared to tread. A few months later, they were opening for the Jackson Five at the Jamaican National Stadium, where they stunned the 30,000 plus audience with their versatility and professionalism. Before long, they were opening for Bob Marley and The Wailers.