The spirit of William “Bunny Rugs” Clark hovered over King’s House on Monday as his widow Bouvier accepted his Order of Distinction from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.

Rugs, who died from cancer in Orlando, Florida, in February 2014 at age 65, was the lead singer of Third World for 37 years.

His three daughters — Sheneka, Alexandria and Adriana — accompanied his wife to the Ceremony of Investiture of National Honours and Awards, which took place in St Andrew.

None of them followed their father’s path and became a professional musician, but they were familiar with his work as a member of Third World and solo artiste.

Adriana, a journalism student in Kent, England, said she had many discussions with Rugs about his career, especially his time in Third World which he joined in 1976.

“He said his favourite songs to do live were Now That We Found Love and Reggae Ambassador… he really loved that song,” she said shortly after the ceremony.

Alexandria, who lives in Orlando, Florida, said while Rugs loved being with Third World, he enjoyed his solo work which produced six albums.

“It allowed him to explore different parts of his voice. It was largely the same melodies, but with different musicians and instruments,” she said.

Sheneka, the eldest, lives in Los Angeles. According to her, Bunny Rugs was “a soul singer who also loved jazz. He loved Nat King Cole and Dionne Warwick”.

The Manchester-born Rugs was the voice of Third World for 37 years. His distinctive vocals led to the group’s biggest hits including 96 Degrees In The Shade, Now That We Found Love, Try Jah Love, and Committed.