Prilly Hamilton made a profound contribution to Jamaican music – Grange

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, has described Milton ‘Prilly’ Hamilton’s contribution to Jamaica’s music industry as profound. Hamilton, one of the founders of Third World Band, died in Florida on Monday at the age of 75.

Grange said in a press release, “Third World has not only endured for more than 50 years, but has retained its place in the world of top-class bands. We will recall that it was formed in 1973 by Prilly, Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper and Colin Leslie. Not too long after, Third World was making hits with Prilly as lead singer.

“They also toured with Bob Marley and the Wailers, opening for them as they did for Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 on different occasions, and they recorded their first album with Chris Blackwell of Island Records.”

Not only was he lead singer, but he also served as the accountant for the group.

“After his split with Third World, Prilly went into cabaret performance, becoming one of the most popular acts on the hotel circuit on the North Coast. And we know that he was still performing and recording up to the time of his illness.”

In addition to his singing career, he was a successful businessman. He worked for many years at Gentle Printers Limited and later established his own printing services business.“Milton ‘Prilly’ Hamilton has now gone to join William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke, Irvin ‘Carrot’ Jarrett, Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper, Cornell Marshall and Rupert ‘Gypsy’ Bent III. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, relatives, friends, and associates, to Third World Band and the rest of the music fraternity,” Grange added.