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Felix Cavaliere Relays Rascal Energy Voicing Joy & Peace
Felix Cavaliere exerts an energetic appeal that has not waned since The Rascals, then known as The Young Rascals, first made an impact on the music scene in 1965 with “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore” followed by “Good Lovin’.” Expressing peace, love, and happiness, the music has had a broad attraction for all ages.
With his most recent album, “Then and Now,” released in 2023, Cavaliere is once again taking his music genius on the road with “The Rascals People Got To Be Free Tour 2024.” He is set to perform with old band member Gene Cornish at the magnificent Sony Hall, in the heart of the iconic NYC Times Square, on May 17, 2024
Cavaliere Could not Escape the Draw of the Music
At six years old the maestro was placed at the piano. He pleased his mother by studying the instrument and becoming classically trained until she passed when he was 14 years old. In the early 1960s when it came time for college Cavaliere embarked on a pre-med path. However, with music in his blood, the draw of performing soon took over.
Between studies, he began playing with his band, The Escorts, at fraternity and sorority parties. Upon his third year at Syracuse University Cavaliere left college to work as a Borscht Belt resort musician in the Catskills of New York State. The young performer soon was playing as a backup musician for Joey Dee and the Starliters and then with Sandy Scott.
It was in 1965 that the music virtuoso started The Young Rascals along with Eddie Brigati, Dino’ Danelli, and Gene Cornish. Cavaliere and Brigati were the band’s major songwriters as well as the lead singers. Together they co-wrote seven albums.
The team proved their brilliance as writers beyond The Rascals. Together they penned songs for such talent as Aretha Franklin, Olivia Newton John, Kenny Rankin, Dusty Springfield, David Cassidy, Lulu, Marvin Gaye, Gloria Estefan, Booker T, and the MG’s.
Career for Cavaliere Took Off and Fame Followed
Soon after becoming The Young Rascals, the group was spotted playing in a hot Long Island club by Sid Bernstein. Their thrilling energetic performance grabbed the promoter/manager’s…
