| David Brigati | |
|---|---|
David Brigati c. 2007 |
|
| Background information | |
| Born | October 29, 1940 Garfield, New Jersey |
| Origin | Garfield, New Jersey, USA |
| Genres | Rock, soul, blue-eyed soul |
| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1958-present |
| Associated acts | The Starliters, The Rascals, Brigati |
David Brigati (born on 29 October 1940, in Garfield, New Jersey) is an American singer.
Contents |
David got his musical start as the lead singer of a doo-wop group known as the Hi-Fives. In 1958, the group recorded a number of songs on the Decca label. One of those recordings was entitled "Dorothy" and became a regional hit in the New York City/Philadelphia region. While with the Hi-Fives, David first collaborated with Joseph DiNicola (Joey Dee) of nearby Passaic, New Jersey.[1] Dee actually sang back up on a few of the Hi-Five recordings.
In late 1958, Joey recruited David (after a gig at Garfield High School) to join his group, the Starliters. David became a lead singer with the group and his lead vocal can be heard on their first single release entitled "Face of An Angel".[2] In 1960, the Starliters became the house band for New York City's Peppermint Lounge. The 45th Street lounge was the inspiration for the Starliters hit 'Peppermint Twist' and the group gained international fame.
David left the Starliters in 1964 to pursue other interests. He was replaced by his brother, Eddie Brigati. Eddie (along with Starliters Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish) went on to form the Rascals. David was involved as a studio background singer with the Rascals. He sings lead on the title track of the Rascals' 1968 album Once Upon a Dream. His involvement with the group ended in 1970 when Eddie left the Rascals.
In 1972, Brigati helped arrange background vocals (and was one of the background vocalists) on King Harvest's "Dancing in the Moonlight". Brigati also provided background vocals on the Average White Band's Soul Searching album in 1976.[3] That same year, David and brother Eddie recorded the album Lost in the Wilderness as 'Brigati'. It included a disco version of the Rascals' hit "Groovin'". He also sang with Eddie at the Beacon Theater The New York Rock and Soul Revue: Live at the Beacon in 1992. Their rendition of "Groovin'" is included on the compilation recording.
When the Rascals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 at Cleveland, Ohio, David performed with the four original members of the group.
Years later, David appeared with the Rascals when they reunited again, this time on April 24, 2010 to perform at the acclaimed Tribeca Grill in New York City, in a show arranged by Gene Cornish. Verified via an On-Air Interview with WGHT Radio's Morning Show Host Jimmy Howes during an on-air interview. The Rascals reunion included Gene Cornish, Dino Danelli, Eddie Brigati and with Paul Shaffer on key boards. Eddie sang lead on his regular songs such as How Can I Be Sure and David Brigati sang co-lead with Eddie on the songs Felix Cavaliere originally sang. Reviews were spectacular and other shows are in the planning stage now when the time can be arranged.
Today, David has reunited with Joey Dee and they along with Frankie Valli's brother Bobby perform as Joey Dee and the Starliters. They have made several appearances together thru 2010.