Bunny Sigler, a singer, songwriter and producer who helped create the soulful “sound of Philadelphia” in the 1970s, died Oct. 6 at his home near Philadelphia. He was 76.
Gamble said Mr. Sigler was one of the most talented songwriters and producers he ever worked with, and “more importantly, he was like family to us.”
As a performer, Mr. Sigler was known for such hits as the 1967 single "Let the Good Times Roll & Feel So Good." In a 2008 interview with NPR, Gamble said he, Huff and Mr. Sigler also performed background vocals on songs such as "If You Don't Know Me by Now," recorded in 1972 by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.
Mr. Sigler’s career spanned decades and saw collaborations with acts as varied as Jay-Z and Patti LaBelle.
Mr. Sigler “spent his life using his talents to bring love and joy to others and for that we are all grateful,” LaBelle tweeted upon his death.
Walter Sigler was born in Philadelphia on March 27, 1941. "They called me Bunny right off because I was born two days before Easter," Mr. Sigler said on his website. At times, he also said the name arose because he was born with a fully formed front tooth.
Mr. Sigler sang in church choirs as a boy and eventually developed an emotional performance style, falling to his knees and crying while singing ballads at local restaurants and nightclubs.
Remick said Mr. Sigler worked until shortly before his death, posting songs and music videos on his YouTube channel as recently as August even as health issues kept him hospitalized for long stretches of time.
Survivors include his wife, Martha, and two children.
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