Bunny Rugs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bunny Rugs
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Pictured in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Alexander Anthony Clark |
| Also known as | Bunny Scott |
| Born | 6 February 1948 Mandeville, Jamaica |
| Origin | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Died | 2 February 2014 (aged 65) Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Genres | Reggae, Reggae fusion, funk, disco, ska |
| Instruments | vocals |
| Years active | Mid-1960s–2014 |
| Associated acts | Charlie Hackett and the Souvenirs Inner Circle Hugh Hendricks and the Buccaneers The Bluegrass Experience Bunny & Ricky Third World |
William Alexander Anthony "Bunny Rugs" Clark (born February 6, 1948 – died February 2, 2014) was a famous Jamaican singer. He was best known as the lead singer of the popular reggae band Third World. He also had a successful career as a solo artist. Bunny Rugs started making music in the mid-1960s and was also part of other groups like Inner Circle.
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Who Was Bunny Rugs?
William Clark was born in Mandeville and grew up in Kingston. His father was an Anglican preacher. Bunny Rugs got his unique nickname in two ways. His grandmother called him 'Bunny' because he would "jump around the house like a rabbit" when he was a child. Later, a member of the Third World band crew called him 'Rugs' because he liked to sleep on the floor.
His Musical Journey
Bunny Rugs started his music career in the mid-1960s. He joined a band called Charlie Hackett and the Souvenirs. In 1969, he became the lead singer for the early group Inner Circle.
Adventures in New York
In 1971, Bunny Rugs moved to New York City. There, he joined a dance band called Hugh Hendricks and the Buccaneers. Later, he was part of another group called the Bluegrass Experience. This group included talented musicians like Glen Adams and Eric Frater.
Back to Jamaica
Bunny Rugs returned to Jamaica in 1974. He worked with the famous producer Lee "Scratch" Perry at his studio, the Black Ark. At first, he sang backup vocals. Then, he formed a duo called Bunny & Ricky with Ricky Grant. They released songs like "Freedom Fighter." Bunny Rugs also released a solo album called To Love Somebody in 1975.
Joining Third World
In 1976, Bunny Rugs went back to New York. He became the new lead singer for the band Third World. With them, he recorded the very successful album 96° in the Shade. He stayed with Third World until he passed away in 2014. In 1977, he also sang backup vocals for Yabby You's song "Chant Down Babylon Kingdom."
Solo Music and Charity Work
Even while singing with Third World, Bunny Rugs continued to make his own music. He released albums like Talking to You in 1995.
In 2012, he released a song called "Land We Love." The money from this song helped charities like the Jamaican Children's Heart Fund. He was a spokesperson for this charity, which helps kids with heart problems. Later that year, he received an award for his great contributions to reggae music.
Later Life and Legacy
In 2013, Bunny Rugs had some health problems. He missed some shows during Third World's fortieth anniversary tour. He shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer. In early 2014, he was in the hospital in Orlando, Florida, where he was treated for leukemia. He passed away on February 2, 2014, just four days before his 66th birthday.
A memorial service was held for him, with many important people paying tribute. He is remembered by his wife and five children. In 2016, the Jamaican government honored him with the Order of Distinction award for his amazing contributions to music.
Bunny Rugs' Albums
Bunny Rugs released several albums during his career, both as a solo artist and with Third World.
- To Love Somebody (1975) – as Bunny Scott
- Talking to You (1995)
- What a World (2006)
- Time (2012)
