Dolly Parton collaborated with a whole bunch of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees on her 2023 album, Rockstar. One lauded artist who didn’t appear on the star-studded project, though, was Felix Cavaliere, co-lead singer and keyboardist of the legendary 1960s blue-eyed soul band The Rascals.
Videos by American Songwriter
Having said that, Parton has teamed with Cavaliere on a duet version of the 1968 Rascals song “My Hawaii” that’s just been released as a benefit single. The track will raise money to assist those affected by the devastating 2023 fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui. All of the proceeds raised by the single will be donated to the Maui United Way’s Maui Fire Disaster Relief Fund.
Funds raised for the cause will help provide food, housing, mental health assistance to those in need. The release of the song coincides with the one-year anniversary of the fires, which began August 8, 2023. More than 100 people were killed in the fires, which also destroyed several areas on Maui, including the business district of the town of Lahaina.
“This song is a token of love and gratitude to the people of Hawaii, especially Maui,” Cavaliere said in a statement. “Words and music cannot do justice to their strength and beauty. We must continue to help them and support them.”
Cavaliere also has posted a video message on his social media pages discussing the work that Maui United Way has been doing to help Maui residents affected by the fires. He also encourages fans to donate to the organization. Visit MauiUnitedWay.org for more information.
About the Song “My Hawaii”
“My Hawaii” was co-written by Cavaliere and his Rascals bandmate Eddie Brigati. The song originally appeared on the group’s 1968 album Once Upon a Dream, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The melodic pop ballad’s lyrics celebrate the natural beauty of Hawaii. Although the song wasn’t released as a single, it got a lot of airplay on local radio stations on the islands.
About the New Duet Version of the Tune
The new version of “My Hawaii” is available now as a digital download and via streaming services. It features Cavaliere singing the first verse, Parton singing the second, and the two artists joining together for the finale. Felix and Dolly also are both featured in a spoken-word section that precedes the last verse.
A visualizer video for the song has been posted on the Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals YouTube channel. The clip features footage of some of Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes, seascapes, and beaches, as well as flowers and scenes of people surfing.
More About Cavaliere
Cavaliere was a founding member of The Rascals, along with singer Brigati, guitarist Gene Cornish, and late drummer Dino Danelli. Originally called The Young Rascals, the band enjoyed a run of huge hits during the mid-to-late 1960s. Among their famous tunes were the chart-topping singles “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin’,” “People Got to Be Free.” Cavaliere was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Rascals in 1997.
The Rascals’ 2024 Tour Plans
The current version of The Rascals, which features Cavaliere and Cornish, has several concerts lined up this year. The group’s next show is scheduled for August 16 in Rochester, New York.
Tickets for The Rascals’ upcoming concerts are available via a variety of outlets, including StubHub.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.