Rock and soul singer David Brigati sadly passed away on March 7. He was 85 years old.
Brigati began his career in music in the late ‘60s when he recorded music for Decca Records with the R&B group Hi-Fives, Wide Open Country reported.
His time with the Starliters would be the catalyst to his successful music career. Brigati was a vocalist for the hit rock & roll group alongside Joey Dee (vocals and saxophone), Willie Davis (drums), Larry Vernieri (vocals), Carlton Lattimore (organ), and, at times, Joe Pesci, who played guitar for the group.
David Brigati & the Starliters
As a vocalist for the Starliters, Brigati helped the group to achieve success when their hit single “Peppermint Twist” topped the U.S. charts at number 1. The song was inspired by their time as the house band at the Peppermint Lounge on 45th Street in New York City, Wide Open Country reported.
Brigati was also part of the R&B group the Rascals, in which he was known as “the fifth Rascal.” Many of the group’s hit singles, including “Good Lovin’,” “People Got to Be Free” and “Groovin’,” graced the Billboard Hot 100 list in the ‘60s.
The singer’s obituary states that his funeral will be held on March 13 at the Aloia Funeral Home in New Jersey. Brigati’s obituary also gives a detailed tribute to the legacy he leaves behind in rock and soul.
“In the decades following the 1970’s, he and Eddie [Brigati’s younger brother] maintained a deep creative bond, collaborating with Edwin Kobylarz composing and recording dozens of songs, most notably their 1976 album, Lost in The Wilderness,” his obituary says.
“David joined the Rascals again for their performance at their Rock and Roll of Fame induction ceremony in 1997 and attended the Songwriters Hall of fame alongside Eddie and Felix Cavaliere,” the obituary continues. “He spent his later years returning to his roots, touring again with Joey Dee and reuniting with The Rascals for a landmark 2010 charity concert.”
“He leaves behind a final gift Dave’s Fave’s, a collection of R&B covers completed shortly before his passing,” Brigati’s obituary added. “It stands as a beautiful tribute to the balladeers who first inspired him, recorded in the same soaring voice that once defined the sound of a generation.”
David Brigati Memorialized by His Fans
The Rascals fan page on Facebook shared a tribute for Brigati following his death, leading to hundreds of his fans expressing their condolences and sharing in the memory of his musical talents.
“Peppermint Twist, one of those ‘early’ sounds on the record player. Had that Rascals’ sassiness that eventually Eddie and Gene would keep alive,” commented a fan.
“Sad news to hear. Thoughts and prayers for the Brigati family. As an admirer of the Rascals since the 1960’s, I wish brother Eddie strength in his mourning period,” said another.
“Heartbreaking news, so sad. I met David at Opening night of ‘Once Upon A Dream’ in Port Chester and he was as nice as could be. A lovely voice who contributed so much to the Rascals’ sound,” said a third.
