A heartbreaking loss was announced with the passing of Dino Danelli, the legendary drummer and founding member of the band The Rascals (formerly known as The Young Rascals). He passed away on December 15, 2022, at the age of 78. The news was confirmed by Danelli’s close friend and archivist, Joe Russo, through his Facebook page. Following the announcement, long-time bandmate Gene Cornish shared an emotional tribute: “With a broken heart, I must announce the passing of Dino Danelli. He was a brother and the greatest drummer I’ve ever seen. I am so sad. Rest in peace, Dino. I love you, my friend.”
Dino Danelli’s Musical Legacy
Dino Danelli was regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock history, known for his energetic style and technical brilliance. He played a key role in crafting some of The Rascals’ biggest hits, such as “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin’,” “People Got to Be Free,” “A Beautiful Morning,” and “How Can I Be Sure.” Formed in New Jersey in 1965, The Rascals quickly dominated the charts and became icons of the blue-eyed soul genre. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(584x79:586x81)/dino-danelli-121622-1-13c8ab70f7c94290a82aca7b3e427d86.jpg)
Life After The Rascals
After leaving The Rascals in 1972, Danelli continued his music career, including a stint with Steven Van Zandt’s Disciples of Soul from 1982 to 1984. He also participated in several reunions of The Rascals, including the 2012 Broadway show “Once Upon a Dream.”
The Loss of a Musical Icon
Dino Danelli’s death marks a significant loss to the music world and his fans worldwide. His contributions left an indelible mark on the history of rock and soul music, and his influence will continue to be felt in the industry.