Blue Eyed Soul
The song “How Can I Be Sure” was written by band members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati. The Young Racals recorded it in 1967 and released it on their 1967 album Groovin’. They also released it as a single. The song features a trumpet, bass, piano, drums, strings, and a concertina. Lots of different sounds going on there. It’s a good example of 60s blue eyed soul. In 1967, “How Can I Be Sure” went to #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Cashbox, and #1 in Canada.
There have been a number of covers, including a two-million seller by French singer Nicoletta (as “Je ne pense que ‘aimer“). There was a French version also by Canadian Michel Pagliaro (as “A Paris la Nuit“). There were also versions by Dusty Springfield, David Cassidy, Helen Reddy, Gloria Estefan, Percy Faith, and Lesley Gore, to name a few.
The Young Rascals formed in Garfield New Jersey in 1965. They were Eddie Brigati (vocals), Felix Cavaliere (keyboard, vocals), Gene Cornish (guitar), and Dino Danelli (drums). Eddie and his brother David had been with Joey Dee and the Starliters, as had Cavaliere and Cornish. The group had plenty of commercial success, including the songs “A Beautiful Morning, “Good Lovin,'” “A Girl Like You,” and “People Got to be Free.” They had seven U.S. Top 30 hits before they became The Rascals in 1968. They then had five more Top 30 hits before they disbanded in 1972.
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