William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke… would have turned 66 this Thursday.

Jamaica Gleaner: Lead singer of the iconic reggae band, Third World, William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke is dead.

Clarke, who would have turned 66 this Thursday, February 6, passed away last night in a hospital in Orlando, Florida.

He had been diagnosed with cancer and had been battling the disease in intensive care.

It is reported that because of health problems, he missed some of the shows in Third World’s 40th anniversary tour in 2013.

Clarke, who has helped to shape the history of reggae, has spent the past 31 years with Third World.

His musical career began at age 15.

For years he was a member of the renowned Inner Circle band and the duo, Bunny and Ricky.

His death, which comes at the start of Reggae month has sent shock waves throughout the entertainment industry, with several tributes on Facebook last night.

Junior Taylor, a former tour manager of the group, said Bunny Rugs’ death was the end of a voice that was very distinctive.

“A voice that throughout the 1970s and 80s, made an impact globally for reggae music.

“It’s not the most pleasant way to start reggae month,” he noted adding that Rugs was a very jovial and caring person and the consummate professional.

The outpouring of love was evident on the page of the Third World giant with comments from his fans.

Noooo! Aw man.

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I was just going through my Third World collection the other day. For a lot of people it was Bob Marley, but for me Third World was the band that got me into reggae.

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Rest in peace Bunny.

~ sigh ~