Changed the direction of pop music in 1965 with partner Eddie Brigatti
Lead vocalist for Young Rascals
Felix Cavaliere shared both lead vocal and songwriting duties for the 1960's hit makers The Rascals with partner Eddie Brigati. From 1965 through 1969, The Rascals were one of the best-selling groups on the pop charts scoring such classic chart entries as "How Can I Be Sure," "Good Lovin'," "A Beautiful Morning," "I've Been Lonely Too Long," "Groovin'," and "People Got to Be Free." These hits were marked by such a distinctive mix of R&B and rock, and romance and social consciousness, that in 1997, The Rascals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Felix Cavaliere was born in Westchester County, New York. His parents noting musical talent at an early age enrolled him in The Allaire School of Music where he studied classical piano and composition. Felix went to Syracuse University where he majored in Pre Med with a minor in music. Starting a band there, he was offered a record deal with a label in the area and released a single, that he penned called, "The Syracuse" which became a campus hit. After a brief stint in the Catskills, he was asked to join Joey Dee's Starliters on a' European tour.
In 1965, Felix formed The Young Rascals with Eddie Brigati, Dino' Danelli and Gene Cornish. Felix and Eddie were to become the band's primary songwriters and lead singers. All in all they went on to co write seven albums together. Their songs have been recorded by such artists as: Aretha Franklin, Olivia Newton John, Kenny Rankin, Dusty Springfield, David Cassidy, Lulu, Marvin Gaye, Gloria Estefan, Booker T and the MG's.
Felix went on to produce albums for Laura Nyro, Jimmy Spheeris, The Deadly Nightshade and others, as well as his own solo efforts. In the past year, his duet album with fellow Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Steve Cropper, Nudge It Up a Notch, received a Grammy nomination.
Felix is currently living in Nashville, Tennessee and is preparing for a second album project with Steve Cropper and touring.
Felix Cavaliere is the proud father of five children.