The Rascals (The Young Rascals) The Rascals (originally The Young Rascals) were an American blue-eyed soul/rock band formed in New Jersey in 1965 by Felix Cavaliere (keyboards/vocals), Gene Cornish (guitar), Eddie Brigati (vocals), and Dino Danelli (drums). Their energetic, horn-driven sound produced classics: “Good Lovin'” (No. 1, 1966), “Groovin'” (No. 1, 1967), “A Beautiful Morning,” “People Got to Be Free” (No. 1, 1968, civil rights anthem), and “It’s a Beautiful Morning.” They blended R&B, pop, and psychedelia with tight musicianship. Internal tensions led to their 1972 breakup; Brigati and Cornish left earlier. Reunions occurred sporadically. As of 2026, founding members Cavaliere and Cornish lead a touring version for their 60th anniversary, with U.S. dates (e.g., starting June 13 in Carteret, NJ, through December). Danelli passed in 2024. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1997), The Rascals’ joyful soul-rock anthems endure as symbols of 1960s optimism and musical innovation.