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DEATH: Bunny Rugs

JAMAICAN VOCALIST William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke of the iconic reggae band Third World has died of leukemia at the age of 65.

Clarke, who passed away at his home in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday (Feb 2), was four days short of his 66th birthday on February 6, a date he shares with the reggae legend Bob Marley.

The singer who spent 38 years with the band, was being treated in intensive care at the time of his death.

His ailing health meant he missed some of last year’s Third World 40th anniversary tour concerts.

Lisa Hanna, the Jamaican minister of youth and culture, said: “He had a charisma and stage presence that were spellbinding, with a smile that was vibrant. I personally will never forget him singing Try Jah Love and 96 Degrees in the Shade.”

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 US charts, including Now That We Found Love, Always Around and Reggae Ambassador.

Clarke went on to record more than 20 albums with the band, except the group’s debut.

Stevie Wonder who co-wrote and produced Third World’s 1982 song Try Jah Love, performed on stage with the band at Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1981.