The Rascals Biography, Photos and Posters

The Rascals

Biography

Started: 1964
City and Country of Origin: New York, New York
Music Training:
Awards: 1997 inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; 2005 inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame
Top Recordings: "Good Lovin'," "I've Been Lonely Too Long," "Groovin'," "A Girl Like You" "How Can I Be Sure," "It's Wonderful," "A Beautiful Morning," "People Got To Be Free"
The Rascals Biography: Originally known as the Young Rascals, the 60s rock and soul group was originally formed in lead singer Eddie Brigati and drummer Dino Danelli's home state of New Jersey. The rest of the group consisted of keyboardist and vocalist Felix Cavaliere and guitarist Gene Cornish. Brigati, Cavaliere and Cornish were all members of the 60s Peppermint Lounge band Joey Dee and the Starliters.

The group was supposed to be known as The Rascals, but changed their name to the Young Rascals to avoid a conflict with another group known as the Harmonica Rascals. Managed by Sid Bernstein, the group's fisrt offerings "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" a minor hit and the number 1 hit "Good Lovin'" were both cover songs. After this the writing team of Brigati and Cavaliere supplied most of the material.

The next 2 years would prove prolific for the group with modest hits like "I've Been Lonely Too Long," "You Better Run," and the U.S. and Canadian number 1 hit "Groovin'." After this the group continued to hit the charts with songs like "It's Wonderful", "A Girl Like You", "How Can I Be Sure?" and "A Beautiful Morning." The groups success on the U.S. charts was more than matched by their success in Canada, but in England they recordings were not well received.

In 1968 the album Time Peace: The Rascals' Greatest Hits topped the charts and became their biggest selling album. That same year "People Got to Be Free," became the groups's third and final number 1 recording in the states and their sixth in Canada. After this their next singles A Ray of Hope", "Heaven", "See" and "Carry Me Back" only achieved modest success on the charts. Finally, their 1969 release "Hold On" broke their run of top 40 hits peaking at 51.

In 1970 Brigati left the group followed by Cornish in 1971. The group's last album with the original cast Search & Nearness peaked at number 198. Under the creative influence of Cavaliere the group shifted more towards jazz and gospel releasing 2 more Columbia albums Peaceful World and The Island Of Real. Neither release cracked the top 100.

Cavaliere pursued a solo career releasing several albums during the 70s while Brigati, with his brother David, released Lost in the Wilderness in 1976. In 1988 the Rascals reunited with Cavaliere, Cornish, and Danelli, but not Brigati for a brief tour. The new expanded lineup featured newcomers Mel Owens(in Brigati's place) on vocals and percussion, Steve Mackey on bass, Ed Mattey on guitar and Dena Iverson singing backup, as well as a Nashville horn section.

In the 90s 2 competing factions of Rascals appeared. The New Rascals featuring Cornish & Danelli and Felix Cavaliere's Rascals.

Source Wikipedia

Search Site by Artist:

Create search engine for website.