David Michael Brigati, an American singer whose soulful voice graced early rock and roll hits and later contributed significantly to the sound of The Rascals, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 85 in Montville, New Jersey. Born on October 29, 1940, in Passaic, New Jersey, and raised in Garfield, Brigati, often affectionately known as "the fifth Rascal," left an indelible mark on the music industry through his versatile vocal talents and collaborative spirit. The official cause of his death has not been publicly released.

Brigati's musical journey began in the vibrant doo-wop scene of the late 1950s, where he first gained recognition as the lead singer of The Hi-Fives, a group that recorded several songs on the Decca label in 1958. Their regional hit, "Dorothy," showcased Brigati's early vocal prowess and established his presence in the New York City and Philadelphia music circuits. His talent soon caught the attention of Joseph DiNicola, professionally known as Joey Dee, leading Brigati to join Joey Dee and the Starliters in late 1958 or 1959. As a lead singer for Joey Dee and the Starliters, Brigati played a pivotal role in the group's rise to international fame, notably recording the song "Face on an Angel" with them.

Joey Dee and The Starliters, with Brigati as a key member, were a pioneering mixed-race group, breaking barriers in the music industry. In 1960, the Starliters became the house band for New York City's iconic Peppermint Lounge, a hub of the burgeoning twist dance craze. Brigati co-led the vocals on the band's signature hit, "Peppermint Twist," which soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, solidifying his place in rock and roll history. His music with The Starliters continues to resonate, with "Peppermint Twist Pt 1" having garnered over 3.8 million streams on Spotify and an alternative take version with 2.1 million hits. A memorable moment at the Peppermint Lounge saw Brigati hand the microphone to Ronnie Bennett (later Ronnie Spector) of The Ronettes, an interaction that contributed to The Ronettes becoming a permanent act there.

After departing the Starliters in 1964, Brigati's younger brother, Eddie Brigati, stepped in as his replacement and went on to co-found The Young Rascals. Despite not being an official member, David Brigati remained deeply connected to the group, providing uncredited but essential background vocals and arranging harmonies for many of The Rascals' recordings throughout the 1960s and 1970s. His signature harmonies were particularly notable on hits such as "Groovin'", "People Got To Be Free", "A Beautiful Morning", and "How Can I Be Sure." His contributions were also significant on albums like "Freedom Suite," and he sang lead on the title track of their 1968 album, "Once Upon a Dream."

Brigati's musical collaborations extended beyond The Rascals. In 1976, he lent his background vocals to the Average White Band's "Soul Searching" album. That same year, he teamed up with his brother Eddie to release their own album, "Lost in the Wilderness," under the name "Brigati," which included a disco rendition of The Rascals' hit "Groovin'." In the decades following the 1970s, he maintained a deep creative bond with his brother Eddie, collaborating with Edwin Kobylarz to compose and record dozens of songs. Beyond his musical endeavors, David Brigati was a prolific painter and craftsman of stained glass, showcasing his diverse artistic talents.

His enduring legacy was celebrated when he performed with the four original members of The Rascals at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1997. He also attended the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside his brother Eddie Brigati and Felix Cavaliere. Brigati participated in a Rascals reunion show at the Tribeca Grill in New York City in 2010, which included Paul Shaffer on keyboards, and also reunited with Joey Dee for tours in his later years. In 2024, Brigati was honored at a tribute concert in Hackensack, New Jersey, organized by the Rockit Live Foundation, a testament to his lasting impact on music and his community.

Shortly before his passing, David Brigati completed 'Dave's Fave's,' a collection of R&B covers, a final testament to his lifelong passion for music. The Rascals fan page on Facebook shared a tribute following his death, leading to hundreds of fans expressing condolences and sharing cherished memories of his distinctive voice and profound contributions to rock and soul. David Michael Brigati's distinctive voice, musicality, and artistic spirit will be remembered by fans, fellow musicians, and his loving family alike.

David is survived by his devoted brother, Edward Brigati, Jr. (with wife Susan), and his loving nieces and nephews: Elena Perrapato, Shanthi Brigati (with husband Chris Caragliano), Ken Gibson, Ben Fazio, and Rachel Wiltberger. He also leaves behind great-nieces and great-nephews: Alishia Taiping, Tori Brandt, Maya Bizik, Kevin Fazio, Mikenze Fazio, Kamden Fazio, Nathanial Tipton, and Acadia Bateman, as well as his adored great-great niece and nephew, Wenona and Gavin. He was predeceased by his parents, Connie Brigati (2007) and Edward Brigati, Sr. (1991), his beloved sister Anne Marion Brigati (2023), and his dear niece Susan Perrapato (2016).