The Rascals
Biography The Rascals
The Rascals
formerly known as The Young Rascals, are one of the most influential, and artistically important American bands in Rock and Roll history. In a time dominated by the English rock acts of the British Invasion, The Rascals not only survived but thrived.
The post-twist New York, New Jersey, and Long Island club scenes bred the band, an outfit whose sound grew more sophisticated as time went on but stayed rooted in the blue-eyed soul that was its first reason for being. At first a hard-hitting band reminiscent of the early Animals, the Rascals drew from the same well that fed the then-burgeoning garage rock scene.
They would go on to lead the way for Blue Eyed Soul to Folk Rock to Protest to Civil Rights, blending white Pop melodies with black soul and R&B muscle. Though they never brandished their politics like some bands, the Rascals truly lived theirs, fighting discrimination by demanding that a black act appear on the bill at each of its concerts.
Their music would span the entire decade from the early Go-Go dance parties right through the psychedelic era — and beyond.
The band released numerous top ten singles in the mid– and late-1960s, including “How Can I Be Sure”, “Come On Up”, “You Better Run”, “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long”, “Beautiful Morning”, and the #1 hits “Good Lovin’”, “Groovin’”, and “People Got to Be Free”.
They went their separate ways in the early 70’s, finally reuniting for one night in May of 1997 when Steven Van Zandt inducted them into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
And now the day music historians never thought would happen, The Rascals’ original lineup — Felix Cavaliere, Gene Cornish, Eddie Brigati and Dino Danelli — have reunited for their first public performances in 40 years with “Once Upon A Dream,” a combination concert/theatrical event produced and directed by Steven Van Zandt and lighting/projection wizard Marc Brickman.
