PHILADELPHIA (CelebrityAccess) — William “Bunny” Sigler, a singer, songwriter, and producer who helped to create the “Philly Sound” in soul music, died on October 6th. He was 76.
News of Sigler’s death was announced by his longtime manager Lloyd Remick via social media:
“The world has lost a great musician and an even better person – he will be missed by all,” Remick said. According to the Washington Post, Sigler died after suffering a heart attack.
Philadelphia International Records founder Kenny Gamble issued a statement on Sigler’s passing as well, writing: “I am truly and deeply saddened by the passing of my very dear friend Walter Bunny Sigler. He was one of the most talented, creative, and great songwriters and music producers I have worked with. He contributed so many great songs to our PIR artist roster from the beginning. Bunny also was a great singer and performed superbly on many of our hit songs as a background vocalist. More importantly, he was like family to us. And he was the best!”
Sigler was a key part of what would become the Philly Sound, derived primarily at producers and songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records where he wrote, or co-wrote hits such as “Sunshine” and “When the World Is at Peace” for the O’Jays and “I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)” for Instant Funk.
As a performer, Sigler scored hits with medley remakes of a pair of Shirley and Lee hits “Let the Good Times Roll & Feel So Good” and renditions of “Love Train”, and “Keep Smilin'”
Survivors include his wife, Martha, and two children, the Washington Post said.
