Philly Soul Legend 'Bunny Sigler' Passes

'Bunny' Sigler

PHILADELPHIA soul icon WALTER “BUNNY” SIGLER died FRIDAY at home of a heart attack at the age of 76. Longtime attorney and friend LLOYD REMICK told PHILLY.COM that SIGLER had been ill for the last 10 months and suffered from diabetes.

SIGLER worked with PHILLY R&B greats such as PATTI LABELLE, LOU RAWLS, THE SPINNERS and many others; his music was sampled by JAY Z, NELLY and OUTKAST. He helped KENNY GAMBLE and LEON HUFF create the “PHILLY Sound.” SIGLER was working in the weeks before his death. SIGLER released a new single “Angel Eyes,” from an upcoming album Young at Heart, last AUGUST.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and brother in music!” said PATTI LABELLE in a statement. “BUNNY spent his life using his talents to bring love and joy to others and for that we are all grateful! He will truly be missed, but his legacy lives on!”

“I am truly and deeply saddened by the passing of my very dear friend WALTER ‘BUNNY’ SIGLER,” KENNY GAMBLE said. “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!”

“BUNNY was one of my favorite producers and writers,” LEON HUFF said. “I was honored early on to introduce Bunny to the Philadelphia music community, and to producer and songwriter legends JOHN MADARA and DAVE WHITE. I was privileged to write and produce his first and biggest hit, ‘Let the Good Times Roll.’ I truly loved BUNNY SIGLER and will truly miss him.”

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