"Groovin'" is a single released in 1967 by The Young Rascals
that became a number-one hit and one of the group's signature
songs.
Written by group members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati
and with a lead vocal from Cavaliere, it is indeed a slow,
relaxed groove, based on Cavaliere's newfound interest in
Afro-Cuban music. Instrumentation included a conga, harmonica,
and an effective, Cuban-based bass guitar line from ace session
musician Chuck Rainey. The result was fairly different from the
Rascals' white soul origins, enough so that Atlantic Records
head Jerry Wexler did not want to release "Groovin'".
Lyrically, "Groovin'" is themed around a highly romantic
portrayal of a couple in love:
The single became an instant hit in May 1967, bounding up
the charts and then spending four weeks atop the Billboard pop
singles chart. It was RIAA-certified a gold record on June 13,
1967. Showing it (and the group's) crossover appeal, it also
reached number 3 on the Billboard Black Songs chart chart .
"Groovin" was soon recorded by the likes of Booker T. & the
M.G.'s (1967), Petula Clark (1967), Aretha Franklin (1968),
Gladys Knight & the Pips (1968), Willie Mitchell (1969),
and Marvin Gaye (1969). Finally, "Groovin'" was the only real
hit the group ever had in the United Kingdom, reaching number 8
on the UK Singles Chart.
"Groovin'" was subsequently included on The Young Rascals'
late July 1967 album
Groovin', but with a different harmonica riff.
"Groovin'" is one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500
Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, and is also the recipient of a
Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
Co-writer Eddie Brigati and his brother David, as the group
Brigati, recorded a dance version of "Groovin'" for their 1976
album
Lost in the Wildernessafter Eddie left the Rascals.
Two decades later, "Groovin'" was recorded by Pato Banton
and it became a top 20 hit in the UK for him in 1996.