PHILADELPHIA SOUL SOUND ARCHIVE - BUNNY SIGLER, PATTI PERKINS - MUSICIAN & DANCER
Item #1052
Walter “Bunny” Sigler (March 27, 1941 – October 6, 2017) is best known for his work as an R&B singer, songwriter, and influential producer of the “Philly Soul Sound”, alongside Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records. He first emerged on the scene in 1967 with a rendition Shirley and Lee’s “Let the Good Times Roll” which quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard charts. He was then brought onto work with the Philadelphia International Records company, and the rest is history.
From his obituary in the New York Times: “He wrote and produced songs for the O’Jays, Patti LaBelle and many other acts on Mr. Gamble and Mr. Huff’s Philadelphia International label. In a 2008 NPR interview, Mr. Gamble said that he, Mr. Huff and Mr. Sigler had also provided background vocals on songs like Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ 1972 Top 10 hit, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now.”
Patti Perkins had a fleeting moment as a “Brownie” dancer with James Brown. Without much else to go on, I’m assuming that’s how these two met. Either way, they became deeply enmeshed and here lies the proof.
This collection of photographs and miscellany is a rare peak into the personal lives of Bunny Sigler and Patti Perkins. Over 1400 photographs offer a glance into the former life of these young lovers. There are photo booth photos of the young couple and pictures of them on vacation, as well as photographs of their extended families. This exists as an archive of their personal lives both together and apart. There appear to be photographs extending back to the 1920s up until the early 2010s.
There is documentation of nights out on the town, dressing up in costume, trips to Disney, Rome; celebrating Christmas with young kids. This collection pieces together their life outside the spotlight. Although, there are items of Bunny’s fame including commercial headshots of a youthful Bunny “Mr. Emotion” Sigler. There is a newspaper clipping which claims Pat Perkins as a Brownie for James Brown and a promising young starlet.
The most recent photographs in this record appear to be from December 20th, 2012 when Bunny Sigler married Martha Lavada Matthews.
Two masks in a box labeled “Bunny Sigler Venice Italy”.
Official documents contained show that Patti Perkins mother was a nurse, that Patti herself was a mother to Jabari Perkins, and that a member of her family “Jimmy” Perkins was a member of the U.S. Air Force and the NAACP. Multiple checks also trace a slim account Ms. Perkins’ financial records. Other official documents, include Patricia Perkins’ birth certificate, and a quit claim deed (dated November 29th, 2007). Of Bunny’s personal documents, there is a document regarding his earning pertaining to the American Federation of Musicians & Employees Pension Fund (2001).
A series of tapes, CDs, and cassettes account for a large portion of this collection.
55 VCR TAPES. Many are without label, title, or other designation. Several are labeled, as followed:
“20th Century Pop”
“Bunny at Fight”
Intrigue - “If You’ve Ever Been in Love”
“Twister: Fury on the Plains”
“Washington Square Rededication Ceremony - November 11, 2002”
“Pat’s Family Reunion”
“Sound of Soul Night” (2005)
Several tapes of Bunny singing the National Anthem
36 CDs, a few titles:
“Songs written by Bunny Sigler - The World’s Greatest Love Ballads” “From Bunny With Love & A Little Soul”
“Bunny Sigler - Otello Syndrome”
Cassettes:
Rodney Mansfield
Lady Marmalade TRK
1st Degree Red Test
Hansel and Gretel
Florida Summer ’02
The items are in varying states of condition, from very good to torn and stained. Many of the photos are not identified and the collection needs more research.
Price: $4,000.00