Gifted with a pair of sensational vocalists in Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, The Rascals were one of the premiere ’60s acts to fuse rock with soul and later jazz. Like many Italian Americans growing up in northern New Jersey, Brigati and Cavaliere obsessively devoured R&B and doo-wop records before forming The Rascals in 1965. With early releases credited to the Young Rascals, they rode “Good Lovin’,” one of the most infectiously energetic hits of the era, to national attention in 1966. The following year found The Rascals embracing the burgeoning hippie culture, a move that produced the mellow, sunbaked smashes “Groovin’” and “A Beautiful Morning,” as well as the socially conscious anthem “People Got to Be Free,” a No. 1 in 1968. After Brigati’s departure in 1970, The Rascals continued for two more full-lengths, including 1971’s sumptuously dreamy Peaceful World, that reflected Cavaliere’s growing interest in jazz and funk. The group’s soul-inspired style had a profound impact on East Coast rock and would live on in the music of Bruce Springsteen, Daryl Hall & John Oates, and Billy Joel, to name just a few.