Walter “Bunny” Sigler, who with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, helped to create the “Sound of Philadelphia” brand of 1970s soul music, died over the weekend at his Philadelphia-area home. He was 76.
Sigler’s attorney, Lloyd Remick, confirmed that the singer-songwriter died of a heart attack.
While Sigler’s biggest solo hit was a 1967 remake of Leonard Lee’s “Let The Good Times Roll,” he is perhaps most famous for helping to craft the lush arraignments for Philadelphia International Records and the string of hits by the O’Jays, Billy Paul, Herald Melvin and the Blue Notes, Lou Rawls, the Jacksons, Patti LaBelle, and Instant Funk.
“[Bunny] was one of the most talented, creative and great songwriters and music producers I have worked with,” said Huff. “He created so many great songs for our [Philadelphia International Records] artist roster from the beginning. He 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.”
Besides co-writing three songs and co-producing the O’Jays’ platinum-selling 1972 album “Backstabbers,” Sigler played an instrumental role in Patti LaBelle’s 1983 hit “Love, Need and Want You.” LaBelle released a statement upon Sigler’s death:
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and brother in music. 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.”
