New York: Third World, one of Jamaica’s most popular international bands will join reggae legends Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths and Inner Circle on Thanksgiving Weekend, Friday November 27 in Brooklyn at the inaugural Reggae & Soul Legends Concert Series at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).

The second show on Saturday November 28 will feature the Manhattans with lead singer Gerald Alston, The Temptation Review, anchored by Dennis Edwards’ raw, fervent vocals, and 70’s, super group Rose Royce.

This year is extra special for the Reggae Ambassadors as it marks 36 years of smash hit songs, sold-out tours and inspirational message songs.

Launched in 1973, the ‘Worlers’ made an immediate impact with their self titled debut album Third World which included a cover of the reggae classic Satta Massagana, originally recorded by The Abyssinians. The track soared to the top of the charts and made them a household name at home and on the international circuit. Their follow up disc titled 96° In The Shade was another powerful offering that included several local hits. However the ensemble garnered their biggest international acclaim with the O’Jays cover Now That We Found Love that became a major hit on both sides of the Atlantic. The group then mined gold with Try Jah Love, which emerged from a collaboration with musical genius Stevie Wonder. The song quickly became an international hit that cemented their place in music history, as one of the most successful reggae bands of all time.

“We are very excited to have an acclaimed reggae act such as Third World, share stage with Gregory Isaacs, Inner Circle and Marcia Griffiths. All four acts demand respect for taking Jamaican/Caribbean culture internationally,” said event producer George Crooks, of Jammins Entertainment.

“Third World band members are excited about the event, fans are energised and I am elated we were able to pull it together,” a confident Crooks noted.

Bass player Richard Daley, one of the foundation members of the group was in NY for the event’s press launch which took place at the Brooklyn Borough Hall Rotunda last Tuesday night.

“Playing New York is something we have always looked forward to doing over the years, as we have many fans here that love and adore our music. It will also be a real privilege to share the stage with a group like the Manhattans whose music we have admired for many, many years,” he said.

Daley also told the gathering of plans by the group to release a new album titled Patriots that will hit stores in January 2010. The 15 track disc will feature collaborations with the Marley brothers Jr Gong and Stephen Marley, Toots, Jr Reid, Inner Circle, Gregory Isaacs, Tarrus Riley and Marcia Griffith.

While the group has not signed a label or distribution deal, they are currently in talks with a few labels and are weighting their options. They have released over 22 albums, as well as solo projects from Bunny Rugs and guitarist Cat Coore. They have won numerous awards including being recipients of the 1986 United Nations Peace Medal and have earned 10 Grammy nominations on their musical journey thus far.