Reggae Losses One of Its Ambassadors

The Jamaican music industry and the world at large is mourning the lost of reggae international band’s lead singer, William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke. It is reported that Rugs died from complications with Leukemia at his home in Orlando. Speaking to his audience at a show in Kingston Jamaica late last year, Rugs spoke of his illness and thanked the audience for their love, support and prayers.

For the past thirty-five years we have grown accustom to his sultry soulful voice. The reggae music fraternity has lost one of its noteworthy ambassadors. With Third World, Rugs has recorded hits like the reggae version of the O’Jays’ “Now That We Found Love”, 96 Degrees In The Shade” and “Try Jah Love.”  Ironically “Try Jah Love” was written and produced by Stevie Wonder for Third World. The track was also performed on Soul Train in 1982.

Prior to joining Third World, Rugs was the lead singer for another reggae band, called Inner Circle. Inner Circle had Steven “Cat” Coore on guitars, Michael “Ibo” Cooper on keyboards and Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett on percussions; they all became members of Third World band. Rugs lead Inner Circle until 1971 when he migrated to New York. In 1976 he reunited with his old band mates from Inner Circle who were now performing under the name Third World, William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke lead the Third World band for thirty-five years until his death on February 2, 20014.

In addition to performing on Soul Train with his band, Rugs also had the opportunity of performing on the David Letterman show as a solo artist in the mid-nineties. I had the opportunity of seeing Third World lead my Rugs at The York College Performing Arts Center a few years ago. City councilman James Sander, in support for his constituency put on this event, which was a ticketed free event.

Rugs had become the voice of Third World and will be dearly missed. On several occasion while Rugs was ill and unable to travel A.J. Brown replaced him as lead singer. My condolences goes out the Clarke and Third World family’s your lose is our lose. Clarke leaves behind his wife and eight children.

R.I.P William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, February 5, 1948 – February 2, 2014.