It was a beautiful morning at the Hard Rock Cafe

I had the pleasure of meeting Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Dino Danelli and Gene Cornish at a press conference emceed by 97.1 The River's lovely Kaedy Kiely,  The Rascals, as the 'boys' are known, are in Atlanta for The Rascals: Once Upon A Dream show.  During the interview, I discovered several interesting facts about them.

Through the end of the 60s, The Rascals made a public commitment to Civil Rights, by

Kaedy Kiely

committing to never play for segregated audiences, and to always have 'soul' acts on their concert bills. In fact, "Ray of Hope" was written for Senator Edward Kennedy, who was considered a beacon of hope during one of America's most turbulent years.

Felix Cavaliere (right) engages attendees before
the press conference begins.

Felix stated, "Atlantic Records helped them tremendously.  Atlantic was about the music and wanted hits, so we made hits.  Being a huge part of the company, we had access to the studio whenever we wanted it and used it quite frequently ... unless, Aretha was there, as no one bothered Ms. Franklin (wink).  Everyone just loved her, and rightfully so."

Dino Danelli

Dino added, "Atlantic had great ears for great songs. Unlike recording in the digital age of Auto-Tune, an artist or band had to get it right in the studio."

Felix explained, "Recording was a joyous event. We love rhythm and blues because of the harmonies.  The harmonies are our prayers, as it's the music that came from churches."

Gene chuckled, "Our East Coast accents enhanced the music and gave it a punch of soul."



Gene Cornish plays hide-and-seek
with the audience, as he tells a story.

Eddie said, "Our music is like a news report of who we were and where we came from ... it is our story.  The story is infectious and the only cure is to listen and feel it.  A Rascals concert is like a tennis match of love--we love the fans, and the fans love us."

I asked, "If you could give a bit of advice to up-and-coming artists, what would it be?" 

Gene's advice, "Don't be afraid to take chances, as it builds character."

Felix stated, "Learn to write. There are not many great writers left."

Dino emphasized, "Be sure you really want this and are ready to make the sacrifices necessary to be successful."

Eddie Brigati

Eddie summed it up with, "Cooperate!  You are part of a team, and working together is the key."

Producers Steven Van Zandt and Maureen Van Zandt, Marc Brickman, Larry Magid and BASE Entertainment are thrilled to announce that following a critically acclaimed, sold-out Broadway engagement, The Rascals: Once Upon A Dream will play at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta, GA on June 21-22 for two performances only, and tickets are still available.

I'm looking forward to this hybrid of a rock ‘n’ roll concert and a Broadway show.  The best part will be sharing the love as I listen to the songs that captured the spirit of America in the 1960’s, such as smash hits “Good Lovin’,” “Lonely Too Long,” “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “How Can I Be Sure” and “Groovin’.” 

I hope to see you there ...