Bruce “Rudy Cheeks” McCrae, a beloved Rhode Island musician, columnist, radio personality, and underground cultural icon, died on September 19 at age 76 from natural causes. Born in Pawtucket, McCrae co-founded influential local bands the Fabulous Motels and the Young Adults, known for their unique blend of musicianship, satire, and comedy. Both groups, and McCrae himself, were inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2016, recognized for their regional impact and influence on artists like The Talking Heads and the Farrelly brothers.

Beyond music, McCrae was a prolific writer and performer. He co-wrote the satirical newspaper column “Phillipe and Jorge’s Cool Cool World” under the persona Jorge, which humorously critiqued Rhode Island’s establishment across various publications. He also hosted radio shows, including the popular “Fox and Cheeks,” and served as Director of Radio for a nonprofit reading service for the visually impaired. On TV, he hosted the cable access show “Club Genius” and created the “Comediac” persona, providing live comedic commentary on cult bad movies, predating similar formats like Mystery Science Theater 3000. Known for his wit and generosity, McCrae was a frequent emcee for charitable and activist events. Despite a stroke in 2016, he remained connected to the community with support from his former wife and longtime caregiver, Susan Murphy.