William Rugs Clark

Lead Vocals

Possibly the most distinctive voice in international reggae music, William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clark is largely responsible for creating the irrefutable Third World sound.

Known and loved the world over simply as ‘Rugs’, his wit and disarming sense of humour secure him as a true lyricist both on and off the stage. But don’t be fooled by his jiving. ‘Rugs’ has a deep sense of spirituality that forms the premise of all his interactions - his genuineness is not an affectation.

Originally from Manchester, Jamaica, Rugs worked with a few small Kingston bands before migrating to New York late in 1968. Within four months of arriving, he had a Brooklyn gig that lasted a year until he hooked up with the famous Inner Circle Band from 1970-1972, as their lead singer.

At this time, Cat Coore was also a member of the Inner Circle, and the two developed a mutual respect and a working relationship that was to stand them in good stead in the years to come.

Quickly establishing himself as a strong, soulful singer, Rugs released some singles, including: “Sweet Caroline” in 1972 and also in the early ‘70’s, a cover of a Bobby Womack song, “Harry Hippie”. Then in 1976, Third World went on their first U.S. Tour and they played at a club in the Village called The Bottom Line. Rugs went to hear them play that night and never left the group from that moment forth.

Since joining Third World, Rugs has done two solo albums, the first in 1995 on Shanachie Records: Talking To You; and the second: Bunny Rugs On Soul in 2000. It is always reassuring to see and hear this honest, sincere communicator at the helm of the live shows, propagating the timeless messages of love, unity and justice for all.

If you were to take a ‘wikid’ bass line from a song, and personify it, what would it look like? The answer is Richie Daley. With a voice that’s as deep as his warm and inviting eyes, his steady, easy manner creates a cool groove for even strangers to slip into. His sincerity goes even deeper than the lowest note on his guitar.

Self-taught on an acoustic guitar, Richie got further classical training from the Jamaica School of Music. He also got some musical guidance and help learning the piano from renowned Bassist, Courtney Robb. As a youngster, he then played in the school band and did some early recording with Ken Booth. He then worked with a succession of individuals who also became accomplished musicians: first it was the Astronauts Band with Earl ‘Wya’ Lindo and Mikey Boo Richards of The Wailers. Then in 1970, it was with a band called Hell’s Angels, comprised of Wayne Armond, Allah, Courtney Robb and Clive Hunt.

Two years later - with Tomorrow’s Children, a vibrant dance band - he was backing Toots and The Maytals on a N. American Tour. Then, with the rise of reggae music internationally, Tomorrow’s Children disbanded to allow some of it’s members to be a part of that musical and cultural evolution. He felt the gravitational pull towards the new breed of music being explored with Third World, and Richie made the decision to join the group, becoming a founding member.

This move was the perfect vehicle for him to express himself, giving people who hear and see him, a chance to feel his warmth and positive vibes like they feel his bass lines – deep in their bones.

For Herbert “Herbie” Harris, music is his passion and his life. With over twenty years of being in the music business, he has toured with the cream of the crop in the Reggae circles, as well as played on some of the most significant recordings in this genre. Harris is known professionally for not only being a natural leader but admired and revered for his particular gift; a perfect ear. He only needs to hear a song once before he can play it back note for note.

After a ten year stint as Maxi Priest’s keyboard player and eventually the bands musical Director, Herbie decided it was time to use his expertise to fulfill his own dream-to put Reggae back to the level it belongs.

Frustrated with the dismal complaints in the industry, of where Reggae is today, he felt it was up to him and visionaries like himself to pool their collective creative and financial resources together to move the music forward. He sees it imperative to set a precedence of quality rather than quantity, adherence to time constraints and a definite push away from violence and explicit sexual content that typifies some current reggae productions. Much sought after now that he was finally ‘off the road’ to lend his prowess and his world-renown ear to productions all over Kingston, Herbie felt compelled to set down a base.

His exposure over time to the best the world has to offer musically has resulted in him forming his own production company, “LIVE-WIRE PRODUCTIONS” recording and distribution company called “GLOBAL RECORDS” with singer Andy Livingston and Garfield “Tata” Muschette.

Herbie grew up in the Woodford Park area of Central Kingston. While growing up on Anderson Road, he was inspired by the sounds of Motown and Philadelphia in the form of Earth, Wind and Fire, the Jackson 5, OJ’s and the Spinners. His local favourites were Dennis Brown, Melodians, John Holt and the Paragons, Third World and Zapow.

He started playing music while still in high school at St George’s College, and after graduating, he immediately set out on a course to accomplish what he does best—playing and creating music. He got his first break with a band in Old Harbour Bay in the mid 70’s while getting occasional tours overseas. He then spent six (6) years playing with Reggae band Kotch, which turned out hits like “Jean” and “Cruisin” in the 80’s. He also begun touring internationally with Pablo Moses, then went on to tour with Yellowman, Black Uhuru, Dennis Brown, U-Roy, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Shinehead, the A-Team Band, Beres Hammond, Carlene Davis, Eric Donaldson and the list goes on. As a part of Sly and Robbie’s Taxi Gang when they performed in Germany as opening act for Westenhagen in 1990, Herbie showed his versatility at the microphone by crooning some of the hits of the day and wresting encores from a very appreciative over 100,000-strong audience.

He has been called upon through the years to loan his expertise to various musical projects. He was flown to New York to work on the Remix of Raven Simone’s “That’s what little girls are made of”. He also worked on the movie soundtrack based on the Jamaican Bobsled team entitled “Cool Runnings.” He has produced albums and singles for Jamaican label stalwart, SONIC SOUNDS with Dobby Dobson, Dennis Malcolm, Bunny and Skully. With the legendary Sly and Robbie team. Herbie has performed on numerous Reggae hits, including “Flex”, by DJ Cobra, “Raw As Ever” by Shabba Ranks, “Murder She Wrote”, by Chakademus and Pliers, “Step Aside” and “Putting Up Resistance” by BeresHammond to name a few.

With a bevy of artists flocking to the CABIN, as Herbie’s Studio is aptly named, all seeking the rich, international sounds that he lends to every project. While he knows that this means, his days will only get longer, he is happy to finally be on a path that will lead him to sure victory. Having a solid base of his own, as well as being a part of a very exciting record label, he is assured now that he can take Reggae back to the heights it belongs.

Having no more restraints and restrictions, Herbie is set on the straight and narrow path to blowing this music out of the water and commanding a place for himself in the history of Jamaican music. His concerns with the state of the industry today, the welfare of reggae legends and the widespread piracy of the music, drive him with a burning passion to be the one to make the change. As he so aptly puts it, “Stop di chattin an mek a move.”

In July of 1999, Herbie joined the internationally famous THIRD WORLD BAND. His Recording Studio has since been upgraded with PRO TOOLS digital recording technology, And between the studio and on the road with Third World…………TINGS A GWAAN.