Felix Cavaliere tells the story behind Groovin'

Felix Cavaliere tells songwriter Seth Swirsky the story behind The Young Rascals #1 hit Groovin' (May, 1967).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Groovin'
• Felix
• Cavaliere
• Seth
• Swirsky

[dayglow72]

Felix was and is (to my ears) one of the most soulful vocalists that found success in the 60's and continues to be vital today. He's a very tasty hammmond b3 player and writer to boot. Eddie Brigati was talented as well but the producers wisely let Felix sing most of the tunes even though Eddie was out front, Felix had such a unique delivery, The Rascals were one of my absolute favorites ever.

[skyavalanche]

Sad that you would percieve any part of your life as "wasted"...let alone by airing your relationship history with Felix. Sounds to me that you still care for the guy. Hope you can embrace the idea that when we learn our lessons with another soul..it's time to move on...and move on with love and gratitude. Sounds like a spin of "It's a Beautiful Morning" might lighten your soul.

[Mooncut]

I recall that "Groovin'" topped the rhythm and blues radio charts in Cleveland when all the other songs on the list were performed by the great African American acts of the day. I doubt that "promotion" had anything to do with it. (I wonder whether the listeners knew the Rascals were white?) As fellow Caucasians Jolson and Presley did before him, Felix exudes a genuine, natural soulfulness in his singing. Even the great Marvin Gaye would've been pressed to top this performance.

[yellyyow]

he looks like henry hill!

[starcamcelebrities]

So interesting to learn about this song directly from Felix! He's such a great talent. Terrific video.

[alexlancer11]

@dayglow72 Yes they aer great. You really have to be a genius to make music like that.

[funkyflyswim]

Remember a 4th of July picnic in Central Park, 1969, laying out and listening to "Groovin'" on a boom box. The quintessential summer song. Zu

[LoriJeanMc]

Loved hearing the story behind this song. Great job Felix. The song still holds up today.

[DatSoulBoss]

@5srgold The problem with the original by The Olympics (which was only recorded a year earlier) couldalso be that it was recorded on Loma Records, a subsidiary of Warner, whose records didn't generally receive the promotion that Warner put behind the main label's artist. With that said, The Rascals took the feel of the original & took it to places that the original only hinted at. Not to mention that the original had more of a Latin feel, almost like "El Watusi" on steroids.

[usaearthling]

Felix, I love you and I love the wonderful, soulful and amazing music that you gave us to grow old with. Even to this day it is music you never want to part with, it is music that if I heard it on my deathbed I would die with a big smile on my face. So glad to have been born in that era, thank you Felix.

[SongwritersWM]

I'm an english songwriter. Felix was great influence on my career in the 60's. I'm still writing songs. I've had recent releases from Engelbert and Robin Beck. Check out the songs on You Tube put on by member Bogworthy - there's a link to my website.

Jerry