Third World Lead Singer: Bunny Rugs Dies At 65

Bunny Rugs is second from left

William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke, the husky voiced lead singer of iconic reggae band Third World passed away in his Florida home on Sunday at the age of 65. He had been suffering from leukemia. He joined the band in 1976 just in time for their rise to super stardom which peaked by the early 1980s.

The group was signed to Island Records during which time Bunny's strong vocals propelled them to a string of hits around the world. The band visited Lagos in 1982. Rugs brilliant vocal performances were also seen in hit songs like "96 degrees", "Now that we found love" and "Try Jah love" which was written by Stevie Wonder.

Bunny Rugs in a recent live performance

He is survived by his wife and eight children. 

RIP to one of the greats