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William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke
1948 - 2014
William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke
1948 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1948
DIED
2014
William Clarke Obituary
Former bandmate Colin Leslie said the singer died Sunday in Orlando a week after he was released from a hospital following cancer treatment.
Clarke worked with the band Inner Circle and top reggae producer Lee "Scratch" Perry in Jamaica before joining Third World in 1976. The next year, the band released "96 Degrees in the Shade," one of its most popular albums. The group was signed to Island Records and had hits on British and U.S. charts, including "Now That We Found Love," ''Always Around" and "Reggae Ambassador." He performed on all of Third World's records except the group's debut.
Stevie Wonder, who performed on stage with the band at Jamaica's Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1981, co-wrote and produced Third World's 1982 song "Try Jah Love."
"He was a remarkable talent. Bunny had a great voice, something even Stevie Wonder admired," Leslie said.
Clarke and Third World were known for seamlessly fusing reggae with soul and pop music, something they were occasionally criticized for by reggae purists. In a 1992 interview with Billboard magazine, he described the band's identity this way: "Strictly a reggae band, no. Definitely a reggae band, yes."
Drummer Willie Stewart, who kept the beat in Third World until 1997, said Monday that the fun-loving Clarke "loved his art but always had a joke."
In a government statement noting Clarke's death, Culture Minister Lisa Hanna said: "Bunny Rugs' voice was distinct. He had a charisma and stage presence that was spellbinding with a smile that was vibrant."
Clarke is survived by his wife and eight children.
___
HOWARD CAMPBELL, Associated Press
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
103 Entries
August 2, 2020
Rest in Paradise Bunny Rugs!
June 3, 2020
Listening to him saved my life
Mai Don
August 28, 2015
one of the best voices from Jamaica. a true legend in reggae music. maximum raspect Mista Ruggs. RIP.
How you can show support
May 25, 2014
I grew up bunny rugs music you are singing redemption songs with all the reggae greats sign by elvis saba dutch caribean
April 28, 2014
This was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts and burst forth from our mouths to God asking him to let us remember clearly the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared. Hebrews 6:10.
Richard Jacelon
April 9, 2014
Bunny, I never knew you but you will always be around in my heart. Your voice will always carry me through life's journey. Head straight for the light and never look back.
Donnett Newland
February 27, 2014
Condolence to bunny family and friends R.I.P.brother
michelle malcolm
February 27, 2014
William Bunny Rugs Clarke
may your soul rest in peace.
and to Bunnys Family and Friends also the third world band membes cheer up you will see bunny again.
From michelle malcolm
Donna Kohl
February 25, 2014
Bunny - your amazing person and voice will truly be missed! Deepest sympathies to the Clarke family.
Elaine
February 19, 2014
In 1969 I was on an intense training course but had to go see third world at the oceana hotel. I was not disappointed. May your soul rest in peace, Bunny Rugs.
February 16, 2014
RIP Mr. Bunny Rugs and condolences to the family and your brothers from the band - Third World. Your spirit will live on through your music and your wonderful voice. Ride On and Jah, jah love my brother you were a heaven sent. Be strong family.
Denise - Jamaica WI
Steve Huggins
February 15, 2014
Condolences to the Clarke family, from Steve Fingers Huggins & family.
CP
February 15, 2014
To Mr. Clarke's family and many friends. Please accept my sincere condolences. The ability to touch people heart through song is truly a gift from our heavenly father. God too appreciates music and musicians ... Exodus 15:20. He is also aware of your need for comfort and is happy to provide you with all the care you need (Isaiah 40:11).
Bev Smith
February 13, 2014
Much prayers and condolences to your family, my friend.
S. Scott
February 13, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Clarke family, friends and supporters. It is terrible to loose a loved one to death. May you draw close to the God of all comfort Ps 145:18.
MARVELLOUS
February 12, 2014
Walk good mi friend....One love, you were committed. May your family find peace and solace.
S. Hoosier
February 12, 2014
R I P....
RAS JOEL
February 12, 2014
It's so very hard to say good bye. I was truly blessed to be friends with Bro. Bunny Rugs. R.I.P." Try Jah Love Forever".
Ras Joel WNOV 860AM
Milwaukee, WI
February 12, 2014
I grew up in Jamaica and went to my 1st Third World Concert there where I heard the beautiful voice of Bunny Rugs and have been following this band for some 20 years now.
A beautiful voice is now silent. May he find peace with "His God". And I am sure he is singing in the choir and is the lead vocal there.
February 12, 2014
To the Clarke family , may God give you comfort in these difficult times .
1John 4:9 By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him.
Phyllis Dailey
February 11, 2014
RIP William Clarke you will be truly miss by many....
val grate
February 11, 2014
Bunny rugs you put a song in my heart and taught it how to sing. Say hello to Bob for us all. Enjoy heaven, Jah bless
Annette
February 11, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
M S
February 11, 2014
So sorry for the loss of this talented singer,may you look forward to the hope of Jehovah's paradise earth Luke23;43.
February 11, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. No doubt many hearts ache for you at this time....And though no words can take away your sorrow, may the assurance that God cares give you the strength you need from day to day. . .He says "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears" 2 Kings 20:5.
February 11, 2014
He will always be in many hearts.
Eccl.7:1 A good name* is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth.
Denise Gray
February 10, 2014
condolence to the family what a gift was given to us will never be duplicated...RIP - I think of love and I think of life and joy always around... best vocals ever your memories and spirit will live on
February 10, 2014
condolence to the family and friends of Mr. Bunny Rugs through you
children, charities and music your legacy will lives on. RIP see you in heaven go on and sing with the angels. Reggae Ambassador you are always around.
J. Wormley
February 10, 2014
May I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. Coping with the loss of a loved one is indeed distressing. No one can know how you feel, but God knows and he wants you to throw your burden on him because he cares for you.
Ernesta Trotter
February 10, 2014
You will be so missed
February 9, 2014
Being from Jamaica, I loved Third World and loved their concert. We are so sorry for your loss. May the God of tender mercies give you the comfort needed at this time.
John Rice
February 9, 2014
Brother B
I know the reggae road has lost one of its brightest smiles. I listened to Time this morning and Bunny was as good at the end as he was as a youth with Third World. The world will miss his heart, soul and vibe.
Parry Gettelman
February 8, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a lovely gentleman as well as a talented musician.
Mike de Braal
February 8, 2014
First of all i,d like to thank you and the Third World band for all those years of great music.
And even your not amongst us anymore your sweat voice and rememberance shall continue
Rest in peace Bunny.
And further i would give thanks to the family of Mr Rugs Thank you for sharing your loved one to the world.
February 8, 2014
96 deg in the shade
J.W. Kidd
February 8, 2014
Thanks for performing on the soundtrack of my life, condolences to the Clarke Family. Bunny Rags you left me with a Sense Of Purpose.
Jennifer Brice
February 8, 2014
Major shock, just saw you passing through the airport last year and you were as jolly as always. God bless your family, my uncle Tyrone Evans from the Paragons has always admired you, I am sure you guys will meet in the heavens and join to make beautiful music for the Angels. You guys keep looking down on us here in the world and helping us to remember to try Jah Love. You will never be forgotten. Much Blessings...Jennifer
Exodus 15:2
February 8, 2014
Our condolences to "Bunny Rugs" wife, children, and other family members,
Remain determined to face this painful time of losing your dear one, William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke, in the strength of our almighty God: “My strength and my might is Jah, since he serves for my salvation.
Draw closer together as a family unit, too, for comfort as he would have wanted you to do.
February 8, 2014
It's comforting to know the words of Ecclesiastes 9:5 that states the dead are conscious of nothing at all. He is sleeping, not in a good or bad place.
Leon Scott
February 8, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
G. Freeman
February 7, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Christa Brooks-Rivera
February 7, 2014
Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on God your friends and family. His greatest joy was making others happy thru his music... God bless you....
A. Carr
February 7, 2014
May God's peace and His everlasting strength sustain you as you grieve the loss of Mr. Clarke. Psalm 121
Marcia Peters
February 7, 2014
I was blessed to meet Mr. Rugs and the other band members in the late 70s, and established an enduring friendship with some of them. Bunny was always a gentleman, professional and generous human being. He will be missed by so many and my memories will always hold him as a dear spirit.
R
February 6, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss.
In the near future God will put an complete end to death suffering .
Rhonda Gatling
February 6, 2014
I am so sadden to hear of the death of William. My heart goes out to his family and Third World. I have been following your music forever. I love you and will always miss you! Bless!!!!
February 6, 2014
Happy Birthday William! Thank you for the "voice", and the "laugh" and being part of my life for 40 years! You made a difference! Thoughts and prayers to your family. Will miss you! From your Boston friend, Danny.
February 6, 2014
I'm so sorry and send my condolences to the family during this time of grief. John 5:28.
Naila F.
February 6, 2014
To Bunnys family; I hope you find comfort in Proverbs 18:10 "the name of Jehovah is a strong tower, into it the righteous one runs and receives protection" . Our Heavenly Father is caring for you in these difficult times.
February 5, 2014
So sad! Bunny will be missed. RIP!
February 5, 2014
I'm sorry for your lost. May your family rely on God in this time of grief.
February 5, 2014
Bunny Rugs has inspired me for decades. His sweet voice, charm and music will forever be remembered.
Bill Browne, MBA (Laurel, Maryland)
Annette
February 5, 2014
RIParadise.
Mary
February 5, 2014
A life well lived. You and Third World made me jump over barriers, and dance in the rain in Bim just to see my favourite band perform. RIP may angles sing you into glory.
February 5, 2014
There are no words for what I feel right now. My heart is with Bunny's wife and family. Much Love.
Denise Gilmore
Washington,DC
February 5, 2014
RIP Bunny, will always live on in my heart.
Mary...Barbados
Queen LAmour
February 5, 2014
Gone too soon...ONE LOVE
Tom Smith
February 5, 2014
May the God of peace and all comfort, be with William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke's family, fans, and friends during this difficult time.
The Carters
February 5, 2014
To the Clarke Family: Our deepest sympathy for the death of your husband, your father, your friend. Though I agonize in search for words to ease your pain, I appear empty in thought and find myself in want. We join you in seeking comfort from the promises at Matthew 6:9-10. Until then, we will always remember "Bunny Rugs" with abounding joy in our hearts through his music that inspired many.
Brother Haniel
February 5, 2014
The World will surely miss this voice for peace and love we have all lost a great person in this Rastaman
jerry faine
February 5, 2014
your voice will be missed
February 5, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family. May you find comfort from the peace of God during this time of distress and in the days ahead-Phillipians 4:6, 7. E.D. Park Forest, IL.
R.A.
February 5, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. May Almighty God comfort the family at this most difficult time.
February 5, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the Clarke Family.
Third World song "Try Jah Love" is just phenomenal, it offers all of us worthy advice. Jah, a shortened form of Jehovah, reminds us of the widely used expression Hallelujah, which means praise Jah.
So as you go thru this most difficult time, may you draw close to and be comforted by "Jah's love" (Jude 20, 21). With prayers and kind words.
Juanita, Jacksonville, Fla.
Jane Dowling
February 5, 2014
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
E.M, Illinois
February 5, 2014
Please allow me to extend my deepest condolences for your loss. As time passes, look for those who love you to help mend your heart. But most importantly, look to our Heavenly Father for help in your times of distress. (Psalm 9:9,10)
Cynthia
February 5, 2014
May our God of all comfort and love be with the family of William. We look to the day when no one will say I am sick. What a day that will be. Isaiah33:24.
February 5, 2014
May the "peace of God" be with you to give you comfort during this time
Phillipians 4:6.
February 5, 2014
I loved his music:) but im so sorry for the lost of the families loved one. It to see people go a such a young age.isaiah25:8
February 5, 2014
SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE,MAY THESE WORDS COMFORT YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED."(prov.14:26)..IN THE FEAR OF JAH THERE IS STRONG CONFIDENCE,AND FOR HIS SONS THERE WILL COME TO BE A REFUGE.".....DEE
Ken Carmon
February 5, 2014
You enriched my enjoyment of the music and your country. Rest In Piece, Mr. Clarke.
February 5, 2014
Condolences to the Clarke Family and comforting words from Psalms 121:1-8, Linda, Jamaica, NY
February 5, 2014
To the family of WILLIAM "BUNNY RUGS"CLARKE I send my heartfelt condolences.
sincerely,
Ms Carruth
june king
February 5, 2014
such a huge loss to the world and love to his family during this difficult time. I saw him over the span of his careet in various countries.he always took time to take a picture and was a huge impact in this universe.tears flow
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 5, 2014
rip
v moseley
February 4, 2014
May JAH JAH guide and protect you along your journey threw ZION'S GATE..R.I P.
A
February 4, 2014
To the Clark family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, may you all find comfort by drawing close to God during this difficult time. James 4:8
MARCIA
February 4, 2014
one love Bunny Rugs RIP
Isaiah 25:8
February 4, 2014
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
SARKI ADELABU
February 4, 2014
MAY THE LORD BLESS HIS CHILDREN -FAMILY-AND FRIENDS.BUNNY AND MARLEY MADE BEAUTIFUL RASTA MUSIC.HE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERY ONE WHO LOVES GOOD MUSIC.NOW THAT WE FOUND LOVE ALWAYS!
Jacuma Kambui
February 4, 2014
Rest In Uhuru Brother Bunny, "you're playing us too close" My condolences to the Clarke Family and to 3rd World
Sandra Nembhard
February 4, 2014
You did your time here on earth, brother Bunny, and you made a lot of people happy with your beautiful voice, and now the Most High Power has called you to cross over to the other side. Rest in peace Bunny Rugs. Nuff love!
ROBERT ELLIS
February 4, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Della Portee
February 4, 2014
Della Portee RIP the world will miss this guy.
Shirley Wright
February 4, 2014
Loved your reggae soul & rhythm. Thanks for the memories.
Tiesha Wellington
February 4, 2014
My thoughts an prayers go out to the family he will be truly missed third world live on one love
February 4, 2014
RIP Bunny Rugs what a musical jubilation when you meet with Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott and the others.
M Parker
February 4, 2014
I love "Third World" music. The music world has truly lost a talented singer/musician. I condolences to The Clarke Family, & the rest of the Third World Band.... MPM
February 4, 2014
RIP Bunny from a Fan in Atlantic City New Jersey. Jah Love
R B
February 4, 2014
May the God of all tender mercies care for and comfort you in you time of grief. He has a plan to do away with all sickness and death by means of his son Jesus Christ John 11: 25, 26
Marilynn
February 4, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. William Clarke. My heart goes out to your family. May you find solace in the fact that our Heavenly Father knows what you are going through. He is greater than our heart and knows all things.-1 John 3:20. Continue to rely on him for strength during this difficult time in your lives.
February 4, 2014
My condolence to the friends and family of William Clarke. Prayer to god will bring comfort. He will be missed by many. His memory will live on in his music.
sonia t
February 4, 2014
OMG! love his voice and Third World's music-will miss him deeply.
Lutheria Rooke
February 4, 2014
Sorry to hear of Bunny's passing. My family will keep you in our prayers
Knoxville
February 4, 2014
RIP
February 4, 2014
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. May the fond memories and the kind words of loving friends help heal your broken hearts. I pray that God will give each of you the comfort needed to see brighter days ahead.
(Ps 34:17, 18)
Glenda
February 4, 2014
My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
jazzi j
February 4, 2014
Rip
Eunice Anderson
February 4, 2014
So sad to see you go. The chain has been broken in the Third World Family.You will be surely missed.May your Music Family and Immediate Family find the strength to carry on with your legacy.
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