August 24, 1968 –
The Rascals’ song People Got to Be Free went to No. 1 on the Billboard Charts on this date.
Eddie Brigati and Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals wrote this song in reaction to the deaths of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, condensing King and Kennedy’s message into a simple missive calling for unity and understanding. It’s hard to argue with the song’s message, as it’s not overtly political and doesn’t lash out at any person or organization in particular. Combined with an uptempo rock groove, it had all the makings of a hit.
The Haus of Dcaligari 