Dear Editor,

As we reflect on the death of William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, Jamaica needs to realise that we have lost a great singer.

My son, almost every week, admonishes me that it is not the mere ability to sing that makes some singers icon; rather, it is their distinct voice. That is why Bob Marley, Rihanna and others take the world’s stage as icons. The same can be said of Bunny Rugs. A distinct, strong and sweet voice. It sold Jamaica as the creator and producer of good music, reggae music, especially in the late 70s and 80s.

Now, my respect for Bunny Rugs comes not so much for him being the lead vocalist for Third World, a group which made me feel proud when approached by Welsh, Ghanaians, Swedes, Dutch, Portuguese, Pakistanis, Indians, Nigerians, and men from the Basque region of Spain while in Europe, but that Bunny Ruggs resonated with grass roots creators.

Bunny Rugs, before Third World, was making music for Lee Scratch Perry, joining forces with Marcia Griffiths, Gregory Isaacs, and other veterans in the cultural space that is reggae.

Bunny Rugs’ voice will always be with us. Long live his soul.

Winston Donald

icildaal@yahoo.com