David Brigati, New Jersey music legend, dead at 85

David Brigati, the Garfield native who played a pivotal role in two New Jersey legendary music groups, passed away on March 7.

He was 85.

Brigati was a member of Joey Dee and the Starliters, whose “Peppermint Twist” was a No. 1 hit in 1962, and he was called the fifth member of the Rascals, who are now members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

David Brigati, whose younger brother Eddie Brigati was a member of the Rascals, sang harmony on band hits “Groovin,” “People Got To Be Free,” “A Beautiful Morning,” and “How Can I Be Sure.”

“David Brigati was the Rascals secret weapon,” said Rascals member Felix Cavaliere in a statement to the Asbury Park Press. “He was tremendously talented. He will be missed. Our condolences go out to the entire Brigati family.”

David Brigati introduced Eddie Brigati to Joey Dee, an event which led to the formation of the Rascals.

“The Smithereens are saddened to learn of the passing of Dave Brigati of Joey Dee and the Starliters and affectionately known as the Fifth Rascal (and largely uncredited in The Rascals.)” said the Smithereens on social media.

“The world has lost a truly legendary voice,” said Rockit Live Foundation on social media. “We at the Rockit Live Foundation are deeply saddened by the passing of David Brigati. An artist of immense talent and a kind friend to our program, David’s always enjoyed watching our students pay tribute to his art … His incredible music is a gift that will live on forever.”

Prior to the Starliters, David Brigati was a member of the Garfield doo-wop group the Hi-Fives, who recorded several regional hits for Decca Records. His association with Joey Dee began when he was a member of the Hi-Fives.

Joey Dee and the Starliters were a sensation at New York City’s the former Peppermint Lounge in the early ’60s. Fans included Judy Garland, Jackie Kennedy and John Wayne. The group were the stars of two movies, “Hey, Let’s Twist!” in 1961 and “Two Tickets to Paris” in 1962.

Joey Dee and the Starliters are also noteworthy for being one the earliest rock bands to have an integrated lineup and its future famous members. Band guitarists included Joe Pesci, who would later become notable as an actor, and Jimi Hendrix, and Ronnie Spector performed with the group before her Ronettes stardom.

David Brigati kept close ties to his Garfield roots throughout his life.

“He was a great guy and very talented,” said life-long friend Ben Focarino of Garfield, “We’d normally have a lunch every 30, 45 days with a coupe of the guys from Garfield and reminisce a little bit. Eddie and David were always there to join the group — a lot of memories. He’s going to be well missed, no doubt about it.”

No cause of death has been given. Visiting is 4 to 8 pm. Thursday, March 12 at the Aloia Funeral Home located at 180 Harrison Ave., Garfield. The funeral is Friday, March 13, arriving at the Aloia Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. followed by a 10:30 a.m. chapel service. Interment will be at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Lodi.

In lieu of flowers the family is accepting memorial gifts for the Rockit Live Foundation in David’s name. Care of Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, New Jersey 07738. Rockit Live Foundation is a 401K organization and all donations are tax deductible.