(October 6, 2017) We are devastated to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Philadelphia soul legend Walter “Bunny” Sigler at age 76, following a massive heart attack. Few songwriters have influenced a genre like Bunny Sigler. The Philadelphia native and R&B pioneer was the force behind hits from the 60s and 70s. Instant Funk's "I Got My Mind Made Up," Patti Labelle's "Somebody Loves You Baby," The Whispers' "Bingo," Jackie Moore's "Sweet Charlie Babe," and The O'Jays "Sunshine" all came from the pen of Bunny Sigler.
An integral part of the Philadelphia Sound and Leon Huff & Kenny Gamble's Philadelphia International Records, "Mr. Emotion," as he was called, positioned himself as one of the day's most significant musical players, working with artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Carl Carlton, Phyllis Hyman, Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and Chaka Khan.
(October 6, 2017) We are devastated to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Philadelphia soul legend Walter “Bunny” Sigler at age 76, following a massive heart attack. Few songwriters have influenced a genre like Bunny Sigler. The Philadelphia native and R&B pioneer was the force behind hits from the 60s and 70s. Instant Funk's "I Got My Mind Made Up," Patti Labelle's "Somebody Loves You Baby," The Whispers' "Bingo," Jackie Moore's "Sweet Charlie Babe," and The O'Jays "Sunshine" all came from the pen of Bunny Sigler.
An integral part of the Philadelphia Sound and Leon Huff & Kenny Gamble's Philadelphia International Records, "Mr. Emotion," as he was called, positioned himself as one of the day's most significant musical players, working with artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Carl Carlton, Phyllis Hyman, Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and Chaka Khan.
Philadelphia International Records founder Kenny Gamble issued the following statement: "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 song as a background vocalist. More importantly, he was like family to us. And he was the best!”
As a performer, Sigler first recorded for the V-Tone Records label in 1959 and went on to work on several labels, scoring a big hit with a cover of "Let the Good Times Roll" in 1967, and later hitting with "That's How Long I'll Be Loving You." He continued to record well into the new millennium, last releasing the critically acclaimed album Bundino in 2015.
This death really hurts us here at SoulTracks, as we had gotten to know Bunny and had followed his illustrious career both in front of the microphone and behind the boards for years. He will be dearly missed by both fans and artists around the world.
By Chris Rizik
UPDATE ON FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Sharon baptist Church
3955 Conshohocken Avenue
Philadelphia
Viewing 8-10am, Service10-12 Friday
Thanks to SoulTracker Sgt. Gary for letting us know about this