Monday, December 19, 2022

Song of the Day: 'People Got to Be Free' by the Rascals


Was bummed to hear about the passing of Dino Danelli, best known as the drummer for the Young Rascals. The band -- who later were known simply as the Rascals -- was part of a wave of American groups that emerged in response to the so-called British Invasion of 1964. Despite scoring three No. 1 singles -- “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin’” and today's SOTD, an "upbeat but impassioned plea for tolerance and freedom"- - as well as "Beautiful Morning" (No. 3), "How Can I Be Sure?" (No. 4), "A Girl Like You" (No. 10), "It's Wonderful" (No. 20) and "You Better Run" (No. 20), later popularized by Pat Benatar, the Rascals feel little remembered in 20th century music history. (Might the name change have contributed to this? They were later the New Rascals.) Danelli was 78 and had been in declining health for several years. Read his NYT obituary HERE. RIP.

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