“The original vocals were recorded back in 2006 or 2007 when I was working with Bunny as an engineer on his solo album, Time. I knew Bunny for several years before his passing and mainly cultivated a friendship during the period when I was working with him on his solo album,” Pennicott explained. “He used our studio to do most of his writing and recording anytime he was in Jamaica.”
Guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith and drummer Carlton “Santa” Davis of Soul Syndicate band fame; bassist Christopher Meredith, keyboardist Paul Crossdale, Caret Donegan (piano), Stephen Wise (saxophone) and Pam Hall (harmony) worked on Let’s Pray.
According to Pennicott, Rugs requested Luciano’s appearance on the song. His vocals were recorded last year.
“We placed a lot of effort in this song to truly make it a classic. We wanted to uphold the spirit and attention to the detail I know Mr Rugs would be proud of,” he said.
Bunny Rugs was born William Clarke in Manchester. He migrated to the United States in the late 1960’s but returned to Jamaica during the early 1970’s and worked with the Inner Circle band as well as producer Lee “Scratch” Perry.
In 1976, he joined Third World. That year, the band released their self-titled debut album on Island Records.
Bunny Rugs will be awarded the OD next Monday, National Heroes Day, during the National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House.
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