Reggae star ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke dies aged 65

William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, the husky-voiced lead singer of reggae band Third World, has died of leukaemia at his home in Florida. He was 65.

Former bandmate, Colin Leslie, said the singer died on Sunday in Orlando a week after he was released from a hospital following cancer treatment.

Clarke and Third World were known for seamlessly fusing reggae with soul and pop music.

Drummer Willie Stewart, who kept the beat in Third World until 1997, said that the fun-loving Clarke “loved his art but always had a joke”.

Clarke is survived by his wife and eight children.