The Sad Passing of David Cassidy

It has been a difficult several days, for family, friends and fans. I was fortunate enough at 11 years of age to be a part of one of the most significant periods of pop music and pop culture, David Cassidy.  Long before the internet, cell phones and social media.

The beginning.

Throughout my life I have continued to return to various David Cassidy songs as a or the benchmark of hallmark moments. He will be greatly missed and always rememembered. Some emotional connections are and can never be broken.

It would be nice to see David Cassidy inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even if it has to be done posthumously. Petition to do so: https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/induct-david-cassidy-into-rock-roll-hall-of-fame.html (signer #3106).

in part:

"David was the world’s highest paid performer by the age of 21, and had the biggest fan club on the planet. Breaking box office records at New York’s Madison Square Garden, where his show sold out in 40 minutes (1972); London’s Wembley Empire Pool (1973) where he sold out a record six shows in three days; Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia (1974) where the hysteria was so intense it was compared to World War III amid calls for him to be deported; and White City Stadium in London the same year. He stopped traffic everywhere he went across the Far East, Europe and the United States.

David’s outstanding voice and memorable recordings have meant a great deal to many people over four decades. There will never be a unique voice such as his. His musical contributions have been, and continue to be a crucial, special and important part of rock culture. His fan base worldwide was bigger at its height in the 1970s than those of Elvis and The Beatles, and there remains a loyal fan base in 2015. (and to this day). It may have been his looks that first won the hearts of millions of teenage girls across the world, but it was his voice and music that won everyone, inspiring many to forge a musical career."

He also sold out the 56,000 seat Houston Astrodome twice in one day on March 5, 1972.

Only three issues of Rolling Stone magazine ever sold out. This was one of them.

Last night - The Wrecking Crew, Facebook:

We've learned that singer, songwriter, actor David Cassidy has passed away at the age of 67. He was the son of singer and actor Jack Cassidy and actress Evelyn Ward born in New York City, NY on April 12. 1950.

After divorcing his mother, Cassidy's father married singer and actress Shirley Jones. They had three children: David's half-brothers Shaun (1958), Patrick (1962), and Ryan (1966).

Jack Cassidy is credited with setting his son up with his first manager. After signing with Universal Studios in 1969,On January 2, 1969, Cassidy made his professional debut in the Broadway musical "The Fig Leaves Are Falling". It closed after four performances, but a casting director saw the show and asked Cassidy to make a screen test.

In 1969, he moved to Los Angeles.After signing with Universal Studios in 1969, Cassidy was featured in episodes of the television series Ironside, "Marcus Welby, M.D"., "Adam-12" and "Bonanza".

In 1970, Cassidy took the role of Keith Partridge, son of Shirley Partridge, who was played by Cassidy's real stepmother and series lead Shirley Jones.The Partridge Family series creator Bernard Slade and producers Paul Junger Witt and Bob Claver did not care whether Cassidy could sing, knowing only that his androgynous good looks would guarantee success.

Shortly after production began, though, Cassidy convinced music producer Wes Farrell that he was good enough, and he was promoted to lead singer for the series' recordings. He was backed on all of his recording by members of The Wrecking Crew and the Ron Hicklin Singers.

Once "I Think I Love You" became a hit (ironically it hit #1 on this date November 21, 1970) Cassidy began work on solo albums, as well. Within the first year, he had produced his own single, "Cherish" (from the album of the same title), which reached number nine in the United States, number two in the United Kingdom, and number one in Australia and New Zealand.

Ten albums by The Partridge Family and five solo albums were produced during the series, with most selling more than a million copies each. Internationally, Cassidy's solo career eclipsed the already phenomenal success of The Partridge Family. He became an instant drawcard, with sellout concert successes in major arenas around the world.

In the early 70s Cassidy had decided to quit both touring and acting in The Partridge Family, concentrating instead on recording and songwriting. International success continued, mostly in Great Britain, Germany, and Japan, when he released three well-received solo albums on RCA in 1975 and 1976.

Cassidy became the first recording artist to have a hit with "I Write the Songs", a top-20 record in Great Britain before the song became Barry Manilow's signature tune. Cassidy's recording was produced by the song's author-composer, Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys.

In 1985, music success continued with the Arista release of the single "The Last Kiss" (number six in the United Kingdom), with backing vocals by George Michael, which was included on the album Romance.

Cassidy performed in musical theatre. In 1981, he toured in a revival of a pre-Broadway production of "Little Johnny Jones"

Cassidy returned to the American top 40 with his 1990 single "Lyin' to Myself", released on Enigma Records. In 1998, he had an adult contemporary music hit with "No Bridge I Wouldn't Cross" from his album "Old Trick New Dog". His 2001 album Then and Now went platinum internationally and returned Cassidy to the top five of the UK album charts for the first time since 1974.

In 2000, Cassidy wrote and appeared in the Las Vegas show At the Copa with Sheena Easton.

David Bruce Cassidy April 12, 1950 - November 21, 2017

-Pool image: David Cassidy -Henry Diltz Photography

David, wife Sue Shifrin-Cassidy, Christmas 2011.