David Brigati

David Brigati
David Brigati c. 2007
Background information
Born	(1940-10-29) October 29, 1940 (age 76) Garfield, New Jersey, United States
Genres	Rock, soul
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1958–present
Associated acts	The Starliters, The Rascals, Brigati

David Brigati (born October 29, 1940) is an American singer. He is sometimes known as "the fifth Rascal."

Brigati was born in Garfield, New Jersey.

Brigati 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, "Dorothy", became a regional hit in the New York City/Philadelphia region. While with the Hi-Fives, Brigati began collaborating with Joseph DiNicola (known professionally as Joey Dee) of nearby Passaic, New Jersey, who sang back-up on a few of the Hi-Five recordings.

In late 1958, Dee recruited Brigati (after a gig at Garfield High School) to join his group the Starliters. Brigati became a lead singer with the group and his lead vocals can be heard on their first single release entitled "Face of An Angel". 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.

Brigati 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 Brigati was involved as a studio background singer with the Rascals. He sang lead on the title track of the Rascals' 1968 album Once Upon a Dream. His involvement with the group ended in 1970 when his brother left the group.