Today’s classic song of the day is “It’s a Beautiful Morning” by the Rascals. Released in March of 1968, this single peaked at #3 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100.
“It’s a Beautiful Morning” is a perfect good vibes song for the spring that led into the Summer of Love. It was written by Rascals Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati and was the first single released after they shortened their name from the Young Rascals. It was also one of the first singles released in stereo, as mono singles were prevalent up until then.
Felix and Eddie wrote this one when the Rascals were touring in Hawaii. The lyrics reflect the peacefulness they experienced at the time:
It’s a beautiful morning
I think I’ll go outside for a while
And just smile
Just take in some clean fresh air, boy
No sense in staying inside
If the weather’s fine and you’ve got the time
It’s your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day
Either way
It’s a beautiful morning
How can you keep from smiling when you hear this one? There’s no arguing that “It’s a Beautiful Morning” is the ultimate feel-good song from a group that produced quite a few of them.
The Rascals, both Young and older, put 18 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1965 and 1971. Five of those were in the top ten and three reached number one: “Good Lovin'” (1966), “Groovin’” (1967), and “People Got To Be Free” (1968). The band broke up in 1972, although a few of them briefly reunited in 1988 for Atlantic Records 40th anniversary celebration. (Felix and guitarist Gene Cornish continue to tour today under the Rascals name.) The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and Eddie and Felix were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009.
And here’s your daily bonus video of the day, Felix Cavalieri and the Rascals performing “It’s a Beautiful Morning” live in 1968. Dig Dino Danelli’s fancy stick twirling!
