I've always loved David Cassidy's singing every since I was a kid watching him sing on The Partridge Family. He told a story of being at a party with John Lennon and he ended up in a room singing Beatle songs together with John on acoustic guitars, and Cassidy sang Paul McCartney's vocal parts. I would have loved to have seen that!
I feel sorry for David. His life wasn't as easy as some may think. He came from a show business family. His father, mother and stepmother were all very well known in show business. That made it hard for David to do what he wanted. He said in an interview he would get up early every day to shoot the Partridge Family. then go across town to work on the music for the show and any records he might be making. Then on the weekends he did 3 full sized concerts. Got back home and started the whole thing all over. No one took him seriously as singer/songwriter. He was in all the teen magazines and was being packaged for them to like. I was sorry to hear of his passing. He had a tough life and deserved respect that he never got. Rest in peace David. Thank you, Fil for showing the music side on David. Stay safe and take care.
Indeed. His early childhood was quite difficult and his relationship with Jack, his father was tumultuous. Throw fame, $ and showbiz on top of that (at a young age) and it’s no easy ride.
Thank you for posting that. I for one never took him as a serious musician until his final days when I came upon his whole story. I was astounded by his accomplishments, creativity and perseverance. It was certainly my loss, not his, that I was an uppity asshole not willing to take a moment to take an honest look into the life of David Cassidy and discover the wonderful person he was.
Jack messed up David's head terribly. He so wanted a relationship and his father and his approval of his abilities and Jack never paid much attention to him - broke David's heart. Very sad. Love David's music, I have all of his album/CDs.
He, as well as I loved performing pranks. We were staying at the now, sadly gone Rhiga Royal hotel in Manhattan. In the morning he asked”coffee, creamer no sweetener and a Diet Coke right? I’ll be right back-I’m gonna grab a USA Today. What took 15 minutes turned into a 30 minute trip. He walked in, apologized for taking so long then said, “ let’s have some fun. He had a big bag and pulled out a couple Snickers and a Hershey’s with almonds. Handed me my drinks and I said, “what’s all this?” I really shouldn’t be repeating this, but this was David’s sense of humor. He took out a 3 pkg. of condoms, took one out and asked me to get a glass and put the candy in it and melt down best I could with the microwave. He also had a pair of opera glasses in the bag. You know how windows only open an inch and we were on a pretty high floor. I gave him the glass. He had the condom over two of his fingers and dunked them into the glass. He started laughing so hard he started tearing up. He walked over to the window, asked me to get the opera glasses out and it took that off his fingers, and gently got it through the window and dropped it to the sidewalk below. I could see but he grabbed the opera glasses and started watching peoples reaction to what he dropped. I started laughing too , he was actually holding his sides and sat in the floor laughing harder than I had ever seen him laugh. That’s just one I can repeat. David had one hell of a sense of humor!
True, but he did go along with it while it was working. Watch those concerts he was doing on those weekends , pure teenie bobber crap. He tried to change that narrative years later saying he was giving grade A rock concerts, but he wasn’t.
Perhaps they both get undervalued because they were thought of as actors first and singers second? Regardless, their voices really carried their shows and sold millions of records.
Quentin Tarantino once said that David Cassidy is one of the most unappreciated musicians in rock. I totally agree. Fil I have watched this a few times and each time I become more thankful that you did this. Thank You again so much
Wow! QT said that?! That’s fantastic! It’s wonderful that someone of his caliber recognized DC for his talents. David was amazing! And, definitely underrated! He did not get the recognition he deserved from the industry and fellow artists, as he deserved. Yeah, he was the most successfully manufactured teenybopper. His beauty certainly helped, as well. That, though, is not the industry and his peers. I’d love to see more of his peers and the industry recognize him for his talent and contributions. 100%
Thank you for covering David Cassidy! He really is likely the most underrated singer/musician, songwriter, producer, writer, stage entertainer of all time!!
The first time I head Cassidy sing Cherish I was stunned at how good a singer he was at such a very young age when he recorded that for the Partridge Family.
Oooh that Cherish cassette, I wanted it so bad, and when my elderly aunt gave me a cassette from The Association that had their version of Cherish, I was crushed. But didnt show it, and came to love The Association. But it wasn't David, and he did that song spectacularly.
I saw him at the mis-south coliseum in Memphis, maybe 3000 of us, it was 1972, the tickets cost $2.50. My friends and I were standing to the left of the stage with the security guard. About even with the stage. I caught one of those silences that happen, and yelled out David! I love you! And he looks out at us and said I love you too! And waved lol. My little teeny bopper heart was in awe. He was the stuff. He, Bobby Sherman and Gary Pucket decorated my walls, but mostly David. I was so sad when he passed away.
The same thing happened, when he played in AZ, in around 2014. I have the "I love you!" exchange, on video. I've met him and Gary Puckett, one of my favorites, too. I've seen Bobby Sherman, in concert, also. It was all in the '90-a few years ago. 🎶😀
@@waynesbutler7834 I mailed a nickel taped inside a Ronald McDonald fold over stationery card to Shaun. I had nothing else to give. . . . It was last year. LOL No, I was 7 or 8. At least he could get one of those large gum balls.
David Cassidy was not only the hottie that was plastered ALL over my walls throughout the 1970's, he was probably the hardest working performer for quite a while !!!! His concerts were packed ! But the greatest things about him, to me, were his amazing vocals and incredible musical abilities !!! I still have ALL of his albums, and listen to them in the car.... singing along when nobody can hear ME ! LOL 😆. He was beautiful and kind, funny and talented beyond the stars !! Thank you so much for your video and analysis of my favorite solo artist of that era !!! He created some of the most beautiful love songs and sing-along songs ! Beautiful ❤️.
You have to wonder how much his looks played a part of his success. Not putting down his talent, but in show business you have to stand out from the crowd, and the majority of his fans were teenage girls, and my sister was one of them with his poster on her bedroom wall. Before you scream at me, I had Farrah Fawcett's pic on my wall, and the same goes for her.
@@HamiltonRb Of course looks played a BIG role in the success , David was HOTT, and so was Farrah, and Elvis, but I think people thought Farrah was just a dumb blonde until she proved them wrong with movies like "The Burning Bed" 👍
David had one of the most distinctive and recognizable singing voices. The critics back in the day never seemed to notice that he was more than just a "pretty face." Glad that we are here to appreciate his talent.
I’m an American who met David Cassidy when I was 13. He was the nicest guy. I had a huge crush on him, and when I watch this clip I remember he really was gorgeous. He did have singing talent and it was never really considered serious music
Thank you for doing this and recognizing the greatness of David Cassidy. I was hoping one day you would spotlight David. My favorite video of David's is his rendition of Tomorrow. it's on youtube. David was underrated. I loved him since 1970!
A Germaine, whats tough about TOMORROW is that it is not live. Maybe one day we can get Fil to analyze but he does prefer live performances. but it shows David off, wow!
Watching a documentary on David Cassidy explains a lot of who he is/was and what happened to him at a very young age. Shirley Jones, who played Mrs. Partridge on the television series, was his stepmother and a professional singer herself. There really is a lot to the story and his recovery from his experiences. Thanks for giving him a little time in the spotlight Fil! He is so often forgotten and overlooked when remembered. I love the old Partridge Family episodes after the first 6 (I think) when Shirley approached the producers, who didn't think the lip syncing was working, and telling them to let David sing the songs. The rest is history and pretty much saved the show.
David Cassidy was such an amazing talented singer, songwriter actor and his career started off with him singing in an LA Theatre Group’s production of The Pajama Game in 1960. His voice range and ability to sing all types of genres of music showed his talent. A career that was 57 years long. Beyond the music he was a kind and caring man. He was a musical genius and a musical prodigy. He should get the respect he truly deserved while he was here. He deserves this now for sure.
A Genuinely talented musician, singer and actor. He was a tortured soul and never able to break free of the teen idol box he was placed in by the music industry. So many fellow artists recognized his talent and respected him for it. I cant watch him without feeling sad at how his life ended. I will always love his version of "How can I be sure".The 2018 documentary "David Cassidy: The Last Session" Is fascinating and heartbreaking. I'm glad you gave him a fair shake Fil. Thanks.
How Can I be Sure is the song I listened to that made me aware of his great voice in the first place. I did not even know he had recorded it until this year
I have not seen that documentary yet, but need to so bad , and I agree with you 100% that he was never able to overcome the 'Teen Idol Ego" trip they put him on , he was so talented and so troubled in so many ways , never overcoming the addictions he had, poor baby, and Jack Cassidy, well he was another force to be dealt with by David, he also was very good looking and talented , but very narcissist , BTW a good read is "Could it be Forever" David's book , hope you have a good weekend
The nutty thing about The Partridge Family TV show was that the producers were originally going to have a studio musician sing all the songs - and Shirley Jones ( his stepmother ) had to step in and tell them that - no, David really could sing well - so he got to actually record instead of lip-sync like the other kids on the show. It's incredible that the producers had no idea - Shirley Jones was a big star of the Broadway stage ( and film ) so they had to listen to her.
When you see the names of some of the guys who worked on this album called David Cassidy that this song came from- Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Michael Landau and Phil Ramone, then it is clear they had faith in the fact that he had what it takes. He worked with Andrew Gold a little later on- and he was a master of tuneful and riff-driven pop rock and contributed so much to the success of Linda Ronstadt.
funny you mention Andrew Gold. he wrote and recorded the original version of Thank you for being a friend which a cover version was used as the theme song for the golden girls tv series.
friend us mate uk by coincidence couple of days ago was reorgonizing vinlys lindas 70s records believe is heart like a wheel he pretty much produced the whole record and best most of the songs david good singer but 70s totally different than today like rick nelson i have the live at troubador 1970 vinly where he had his own band bernie leadon also pre eagles must have been much harder for those guys to do there own music then
I don't know about David Cassidy and Ronstadt, but Andrew Gold produced and performed on 'You're No Good' one of Ronstadt's biggest hits. Gold was a pretty amazing musician, singer, writer, producer himself.
@@alanna8983 love Lonely boy by Andrew Gold!! of course i met and loved David forever:) BTW, Andrew's mom was the voice behind Maria of West Side Story..
My late husband always liked David Cassidy and didn’t think he got enough credit for his many talents. Thanks so much for this breakdown. I just discovered your channel and love it!
It's always refreshing to hear of kudos for David coming from the male persuasion, such as your husband! He got/gets far too few! Just ANOTHER reason to appreciate Fil, here.. He tells it like he sees/HEARS it and we're the better for it.🌟💞🌟
He was tarred and feathered unfairly by his association with The Partridge Family...which was deemed, by the pompous cognoscenti as unhip. But Cassidy was a serious musician and very talented!
He never could escape the teen idol image. But that brought him great success. He might have preferred to make it in the music business with a different sound and image, but who knows if he would have had any success if not for the PF experience. Hard to say.
He had a strong versatile voice that could handle pop, rock and ballads. Saw him live with a friend who was crazy about him. I was amazed how good he was with a versatile voice that could handle pop, rock and ballads. He had an awesome stage presence and lovely greyish eyes. Great analysis Fil 🤘
As one of David's millions of loving and dedicated fans around the world, thank you so much for this. Not only was he misunderstood, but also underestimated and extremely talented. He never, ever got the credit he so well deserved.
Unashamed to say I have always been a David fan, an amazing voice. This track and album as a 1990 self-titled comeback is actually superb. It may have saved his career if the damn record label he signed to hadn't gone bankrupt shortly after its release... a real pity. I agree it's the tiny orchestration riffs that make this song powerful & memorable.
I think the sad thing is that artist like David were brought into show business at such a young age that their careers were manipulated and sort of out of their control...then when they were mature and knew what they wanted to do be it music or something else, they then had to fight the image of just being one thing or another rather than choosing the trajectory of their careers to begin with. David in my mind is in a group with Mike Nesmith, Andy Gibb...and a couple others that always seemed to have to fight to be taken seriously in music.
I saw a documentary on the partridge family many years ago and he was talking about how he loved playing the guitar. Later on in the documentary it showed David and a couple of the other partridge family kids hanging out in a trailer on the back lot or something, and David was playing a fender stratocaster and let me tell you what, that guy could really play the guitar. As a guy who plays the guitar also, I don't just say that somebody's a great guitar light heartedly. If I remember correctly I believe that he was playing a jimi Hendrix song. Voodoo Chile ( slight return) I think. Yeah I'm sure that's the song he was playing. But my point is, is that David Cassidy kicked ass on the guitar which was probably his true calling and passion. He was also a huge Hendrix fan. Go figure.
Saw him and Shaun Cassidy in Blood Brothers on Broadway. They were both great. Seen Shaun a few times over the last few years. He is very talented and has some great stories about his family and Hollywood.
Spent his life till his dying breath hoping for love and acceptance from his dad ... When he passed his fan clubs still had millions of active members... We love you, David. RIp
My jaw just dropped. I always thought it was lip sync on the Partridge Family and done. Never heard a word about him when I was playing in the 80's and now almost 50 years later he pops up on your fine show! I am totally mind blown. I have to investigate this further. Thanx Fil🎸
Excellent analysis as usual, Phil. David always claimed to be a 'rocker' at heart. Having said that, there's no doubt that his soulful voice also suited the 70s' ballads he was most famous for.
I met him, during the time this song was out. He was really nice, intelligent and cool. All these little girls about 8 years old ran up for his autograph. He joked to me, saying, "Do you even know who I am?" quietly, as if asking the little girls, then kinda chuckled. I figured either their mothers wanted the autographs or they'd been watching Partridge Family reruns. Lol I got video of him in concert joking about twitter and singing classic rock, around 2014, as well as him playing drums, so his drummer Teri Coté could come out front and sing Brass In Pocket and moonwalk across the stage. He had a big smile on his face. He really did interact so well with his band and the audience. I saw him in concert 3 times. His songwriter wife was in his band, at t one of the concerts. I loved his acting as the undercover cop. I REALLY LOVE this song! I have, ever since I first heard it. 🎸🎤🎶 I liked his book, too. He was an interesting, real person. When I hear this great music from my young adulthood, I know God loves me. 😄💃🏻🎵
He got an Enmy nomination for tge 2 hour "Police Story." I remember watching it w my 1st boyfriend & he said, "Wow! He really is talented!!" It lead to his short lived series, "David Cassidy; Man Undercover." I liked it too.
I ran David Cassidy's Official International fan club from 1980 to 86. I later had a website that eventually became part of the Official website. David hated his "teen idol" image. They even speed up his vocals on the PF at first until he complained so much they slowly made it his own baritone vocals. He posed nude on "Rolling Stone mag," in 72 to try to fight the image. He had a garage band as a teen & youngest actor allowed to be part of the LA Theater club before the PF. The producers didn't know he could sing & the 1st episode they lipped sung. But he told them, "Thus is stupid. You know I can sing" & that was it. His Post-PF song songs on the RCA label are great too. The Higher They Climb" was Co-produced by himself & Bruce Johnson of "The Beach Boys" & tge single, "I Write tge Songs" written by Bruce was a Huge hit in Europe. Clive Davis heard it & told Barry Manilow to record & put it out b/f RCA put it out in the USA. "Home is Where the Heart Is" is one if his best. "Getting it in the Streets" were co-produced by DC & Gerry Beckley of "America." You should check out his songs on the Wolfman Jack show in 1977. He was extremely under-rated. I love his deep, raspy vocals. He was also amazing on Broadway & theater productions. A REAL actor & Singer - you could hear him in the back of the theater. This song, Lyin' to Myself was from his 1990 album that was on an indie label so he could produce the album himself. It was climbing the charts & he was planning the next single & world tour. This song was on both the "Adult Contemporary" & "Rock/Pop" charts. Then the label went bankrupt. It was heartbreaking but he was amazing in Blood Brothers on Broadway that guaranteed a standing ovation every time & it delivered. Later #1 show "EFX" in Las Vegas. Oh, in the UK, "Romance" was a hit LP in 85 & he did the play "Time" w Laurence Olivia's performance. Thanks for the analysis. He would've loved it. One of my "Fantales" from 1983: www.davidcassidy.com/fansite/FansPages/FansTalesNY1.html
I knew he had a hard time being taken seriously after PF. So many TV teen idols did. I (personally) feel that one of the reasons is they don’t get enough good material afterwards- for whatever reason. Ricky Nelson was great in TV, and then my husband and I went to see him- and he was trying to be almost heavy metal- and it just didn’t suit him . I guess “Garden Party “ summed it up.
@@lds251 The powers that be just didn't want him to succeed so recording companies he was supposed to be recording with failed...songs like "I Write The Songs" didn't hit the airwaves like they did for Barry Manilow. Gettin it in The Streets is a great album....only released limited copies and there were others. There are spectacular unreleased recordings like Crazy Over You and Then I'll Be Someone and Life of a Fool and others. David likely knew to give up and went in other directions as theater. I don't think the things that happened to David then, would happen nowadays!
I just finished reading David's autobio last week and it really hit me, and made me remember that he was really the FIRST music star I was really into. It's been so long that I hardly want to admit it to myself, but David Cassidy was the first "rock star" of my childhood consciousness, and although his career was born of a prefab TV marketing project, his talent and charisma was totally real and potent. It's very sad how he was cheated out of the millions he made for others and lost much of what he did earn. He was a sort of charmed person who nevertheless led a very cursed life. Thanks for this kind analysis, it's great to see him still in his prime if far after his greatest fame, still being the star I always thought he was.
Fil you are one of the best, most thoughtful & erudite analysts of music -- your channel brings such a variety of music to audiences who may never otherwise be given a chance to learn about and appreciate largely forgotten talents such as David Cassidy. Keep up the good work!
Saw David Cassidy with my wife at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City in 2002. Fantastic show. Even though I'm more of a hard rock / prog rock listener he definitely put on a great show.
I'm so looking forward to watching this . I loved David's 70's music . Being a child of the 60's , of course I grew up listening to him . He was so hard working .He was touring and recording at the same time as he was filming The Partridge Family . Alice Cooper said David was one of the hardest working musicians that he ever knew . Thanks for featuring David and hopefully introducing him to a whole new group of people . Rest Peacefully dear David ❤
👍"I Think I Love You", was the first single (45) I ever owned........I had received a small, portable, battery-operated turntable record player, as a present for Christmas 1970......then in '71 my parents bought me the single, because "The Partridge Family" was one of my favorite T.V. shows..........I was 8 years old.😆
Lol, I also received it for that Christmas - was 11. Funny enough, I never watched the show (lol, I thought it was too "kid stuff", at 11 😂), but I loved the song. The other singles I received were "25, or six, to four", "Tears of a Clown" and, I think, a Jackson 5 song. That Christmas stands out more than any other, too, for some reason. Cheers!
David was one of my favorite artist. He was multi-talented with movie star looks. He died too soon. Thanks for your exceptional analysis. David always reminded me of Ricky Nelson, similar background.
Yes but Ricky "made it" in a way David never did. Ricky reinvented himself sort of as a pioneer of Country Rock. Having been a Rockabilly guy did not hurt.
Wow, what a fantastic way to remember David and his great range of voice!! "I think "Lying To Myself" and "Message To The World" are two amazing songs and very difficult to sing but David makes them like easy. Bless him and that wonderful talent he got but many didn''t recognize.
I remember David Cassidy from The Partridge Family. I watched all their shows and have all their albums, including his own albums. David was my first heartthrob! He was so handsome and had an incredible voice, and he was a great actor and guitarist too! It is very sad that he is no longer with us, I know he is greatly missed. Thanks a million Fil, for doing this awesome analysis on David, I really enjoyed it! 🙂🤘❤
I really appreciate the lessons on harmonics and chord relationships that make rock more complex than I, not a rock fan, would ever have been able to enjoy. Really a great teacher, you are, Phil!
I I've seen him several times at Epcot at the Mini concert series. He was always very appreciative of of his fans and played all his old hits. He said he would play them forever as long as people would listen and he was very grateful. Very nice man great entertainer great musician etc..
I've never heard this song before, and I like it. David was a great artist with an incredible pop singing voice that in some circles was underrated. Great job here Fil!
David’s career reminds me a bit of Rick Springfield, I must say. Rick Springfield was the first concert I ever went to when I was 16. A friend talked me into seeing him in concert again about 25 years later. I admit I kind of thought it would be cheesy. I was very pleasantly surprised how good it was and extremely impressed with what a great guitar player he is. I knew he was a great singer, but I think he also suffered from marketing that doesn’t help an artist with longevity in the music industry. Anyway, loved this video…now I wish I’d seen David in concert as well.
A good part of this (the part about Rick Springfield) is that we remember the way a singer/songwriter/player sounded 25 years earlier, without realizing that the artist, during that same time period, ALSO kept learning, expanding, getting better and better - just as we did, in all areas of our lives. I've done this even with family members I hadn't seen since childhood - and was shocked to see how mature they had become. Kind of a Cognitive Dissonance, because I had nothing to fill in their experiences - just my own. You may also just not have been ready to hear Rick Springfield when you first heard him, either. 25 years can make a HUGE difference.
A wonderful way to remember and honor David Cassidy. I saw him several times on stage, he was a great musician and a fantastic perfomer. He was underrated all his life. Thanks a lot for this 🎶🎸🎶
Each analysis you do, I find you are so amazing!! You have not only an ear for the musical compositions but you own voice and guitar ability just simply amazes me!! You are so gifted!
Whatever one thinks of David Cassidy (I loved him) he had one of the great natural voices. His father also had a beautiful Irish tenor voice. (And of course my generation’s heartthrob - his brother Shawn) Very talented family! Thank you for the focus on this overlooked artist!
I got the CD "David Cassidy" that this song comes off of and believe it or not, the whole album is killer! The album is really well done, one of my favorite songs on this album is called "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"! This one shows what he was and what he could have been! All the songs are great! I'm glad you recognized his talents and song writing! Too bad he met such a sad ending to his life.
Thank you Fil for reintroducing me to David Cassidy. I never really took him seriously. But this song is really good! Pop/rock song! The guitar playing was great and melodic.I really didn't know je had hits like this and that he was the first to sing "I Write The Songs"! WOW!!
Fil, just wanted to say how much I like it when you smile while listening to the music. I don't listen to music as much as I need to, and I don't smile as much as I need to, and watching you truly enjoying your work makes me smile inside. And then I smile on the outside.
If you mentioned it in this video, I missed it (someone dared to call me while I was watching), but David Cassidy came from a musical family in real life: his father John ("Jack") Cassidy was a Tony and Grammy award-winning Broadway performer. His mother, Evelyn Ward, was also a Broadway singer/dancer/actor. (I had to look that up-I only knew about his dashing daddy.)
I heard another artist play this song “Lyin to Myself” but I can’t recall who. David’s struggles are a reminder of how we all of need to rise above needing the good opinion of others. He really was upset about issues surrounding his Dad as I recall seeing in media reports. I always admired David. RIP. Good review of his song. Thank you so much.
David was part of a talented family along with his brother Shaun Cassidy of Hardy Boys fame, and his legendary father and actor Jack Cassidy. David was very talented as an actor/comedian, (David was funny as hell along with Danny Bonaduce and Mr. Kingcaid on The Partridge Family) and I believe he was a legit talented musician. This video proves he had the talent as a singer and a guitarist, but unfortunately David got pigeonholed as a teeny- bopper star in the 70s, but oh man, the girls did love him. I remember I had a little golden haired girlfriend when I was about 7or 8 years old in '71 or '72, and I remember in her bedroom she had David Cassidy posters and pictures everywhere in her room. David Cassidy had his moment under the sun, and even to this day for those who grew up with him remember him fondly. David Cassidy left his mark in the world. Great analysis Fil as usual. Rock!🤘
A Great analogy of David Cassidy ~ a truly underrated, multi faceted multi talented artist of his time . He adapted his music and his voice to every genre of music. A true icon and legend in his own right !
One great comparison: David Cassidy & Peter Frampton. Here me out. Both were very good-to-excellent guitarists, who had the "misfortune" of being very good looking young men. Both could also sing, thus record labels wanted to promote them as "teen idols" Fortunately for Frampton, he wasn't an actor, but still the record label's insistence on "pop hits" hindered his career, and outside of rock purists who understood his talent, he often wasn't taken seriously. Just a "teen idol" David Cassidy, on the other hand, was born into a celebrity family. His father, Jack Cassidy was a FAMOUS ACTOR. His step-mother, Shirley Jones, was a famous pop/standards singer and actress. Despite wanted to forge his own career as a rock guitarist, Cassidy was pressured by his family and record labels to pursue acting. The TV show Partridge Family essentially ruined any chance of David being taken serious as a rock guitarist - as the show typecast him as a teen pop idol. That had to play heavily into his later drug/alcohol issues, depression, and early death at age 67.
funny I just about wrote the same thing above and then I see your post except your claiming Cassidy and Frampton were on the same level as guitarists. Frampton was a serious musician who studied jazz and classical guitar and can play multiple instruments and can read music. Peter in various interviews discusses his musical guitar influences chief among them Kenny Burrell. Frampton also wrote several hit songs. In 1975 Frampton's melodic jazz influenced rock solos and songs were truly innovative and influenced many guitarists including myself. Frampton was the real thing. Cassidy wasn't on the same level although he thought he was. That was the problem. David Cassidy thought he was a great guitarist and he wasn't. It wasn't the industry that ruined DC rock guitar career it was that he wasn't that good to begin with. As to the other parts I thought he was an ok singer and actor.
David was an interesting character. He lived most of the year in Florida, but during the summer he lived in upstate New York because he was into race horses. He also liked to drink a little bit, and one night a Deputy Sheriff stopped him on suspicion of DUI. As instructed by the local Sheriff's Department, the officer said "I'm Tom Jones." David immediately began singing "What's New, Pussycat?" and laughing uproariously. Needless to say, he got a DUI and lost his license for a while. But by all reports, a nice man who did a lot of charity work for local animal shelters.
Thank you, Wings of Pegasus, for sharing your thoughts on David Cassidy's vocals and musician skills as they pertain to this video. He was not 'misunderstood' as a performer, but rather UNDER-APPRECIATED, in my opinion. He knew at age 3 that he wanted to act, and he was singing in his church choir as a child, according to his autobiography and comments made by his mother, Evelyn Ward. He was extremely talented and unusually gifted in several categories - which made him difficult for the entertainment industry to define. "The Partridge Family" derailed his acting career - the acting career that he really wanted - but gave him the open door for a singing career, although it was not the kind of music he wanted to sing at that time. I became a fan of his after his death, and in the course of learning about him, I gradually listened to his music within "The Partridge Family" realm and outside the TV show. He had quite a vocal range and a very unusual quality to his voice: He could sing 'intimately' for a record album and theatrically for stage. Not all singers can do that. I think if David were here, he would like you to see and hear the following video selections. His loving and loyal fans have created some wonderful video tributes on RU-vid, but I want you to focus on his vocals and not be distracted by his looks. And his looks were definitely a major distraction! As with Marilyn Monroe, his looks may have worked against him in terms of being taken seriously as an Artist. Focus on his vocals and his range. He was under-rated and under-appreciated by the entertainment industry, in my opinion. Here we go! When you have the time, Wings of Pegasus: 1) Cherish: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TIUwsxBy0I8.html 2) Tomorrow: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Vsuhi6UnX-k.html 3) On Merv Griffen, 1983, singing from Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-o3MNpyMEPpI.html
This is such a respectful analysis, Thank you for your honest historical perspective. I only wish David was alive to discuss this with you, because I cannot remember anyone else giving him a chance to discuss his musicianship.
@@richardpatrick2852 Yes, I think so too. He got respect from musicians some very successful ones but not so much from the producers/record industry/TV industry.
Thank you man!! Been waiting for you to dig on DC!! He was an amazing artist.. very underrated songwriter and arranger. Thank you he was actually a decent guitar player.. more of a blues player but can hold his own. No joke
David was so underrated. He was put in the teen idol box very early and could never get out of it. So sad that it still happens today. When you’re a teen idol you rarely get out of it intact. I still listen to David’s soothing voice very often. He was awesome. ❤
Another appreciative analysis of an underrated artist! David Cassidy was a rock ‘n’ roll dude. Another artist who had a hard time being separated from an early stereotype…
Love how you analyzed this song, how you smiled and how you appreciate David’s talent! He was amazing! Of course he was my first crush but man he offered up so much more than a teenybopper performer. I saw him perform with the Omaha Symphony at the Holland Center-his voice was pure magic. Unbelievable! Thank you for respecting him!
As an amateur musician myself and a kid when he was the teen idol, I always thought he was way more than just good looks. I was always happy for him later in his career when he'd come out with another hit song. He left us way too soon.
Some of those Partridge Family songs were outstanding due to David’s voice! After reading all the comments I would just like to thank you again, Fil! I am sure it is obvious to you that you struck a chord with my generation on this one. Sure I love Pink Floyd, Zep, Stones, Jethro Tull….but fortunately I never thought of myself as being too cool for The Bee Gees…or David Cassidy!!! (63 year old male from the USA)
Hi Fil, nicely done. You often mention how artists are at the mercy of the recording companies when they sign a contract. Cassidy is a bit of an exception. During the first season of Partridge Family, Cassidy's manager, Ruth Aarons, discovered David was underage (19) when he signed the contract. By then the TV show & records were a HUGE hit, giving Aarons leverage to renegotiate a very lucrative contract for David. Sadly, through unscrupulous money managers and bad investments he lost it all in mid-70's. After that, his life was a roller coaster of highs & lows. Sad, as he was very talented actor and musician. Deserved much better.🐦
Great analysis Fil! Speaking of artists who are actors first and then thrown out into a singing career which they don't really deserve, I think of actors like Don Johnson doing the song " Heartbeat" back in the 80s. Perfect example of someone who was simply an actor but couldn't really sing well. David on the other hand was super talented and I think he was overlooked because of his role in The Partridge family. So glad that you spotlighted David's very talented musical career! Thanks again Fil! Sure do miss David, but thankfully we always have his songs. 🎸🎶
Thank you for representing David Cassidy! He's such an amazing artist. After not having a Top 40 hit in like 16 years, it was great to see "Lyin' To Myself" hit #27 💯💯💯
His brother Shaun did a lovely tribute to David in his live shows recently. It's here on RU-vid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-J8kVBQaUMLk.html . For women of a certain age, we will always love David. ♥
Yes and he talks candidly about the dysfunction in their family with their dad’s alcoholism. I’m glad I saw Shaun perform recently. He had som great stories. The tribute to David is making me teary just thinking about it. David’s picture was all over my room in the early 70s. I still think he’s beautiful!
When I was a little kid I had a Partridge Family album called "Up to Date." It had a Cassidy-penned tune called Lay It On the Line, and the opening riff is the first time I can remember hearing an overdriven guitar. I loved that sound, and played that song over and over on my little plastic record player.
Holy cow! That song took me right back to 1990. That song nails it. You are so right. David has a natural talent that was discounted, because he started in TV. At 5:17 you talk about the reverse dive bomb and I just can't place who I also have heard play that. It's really distinctive. I find it amazing that in 1990 David's voice as so good. The Partridge Family was 1970 - 1974. That's a dam good song
I had the absolute privilege of seeing David in "Little Johnny Jones" on the stage in L.A. It's the musical written by George M Cohan, containing the songs Yankee Doodle Boy and Give My Regards to Broadway. It was featured in the movie Yankee Doodle Dandy, starring Jimmy Cagney. IMHO David was every bit as good a singer/dancer as Cagney, and I loved every minute of it.
Thank you for this awesome review . I wish more people would appreciate his many talents. I loved that interview that he did with Arsenio too. He was in his 40s and still looked youthful.
Interesting. My younger sister was into David Cassidy in a big way. She still has hidden somewhere 'The Partridge Family Album' and 'The Partridge Family Shopping Bag'. She was 13 and watched the Partridge Family on tv every week. Me, I'd just bought 'Let It Be', miles away from teeny pop......and yet, and yet. The Beatles had started as what you might call a teenybopper band with 'Love Me Do'. I remember being taken to see 'A Hard Days Night' at the old Oriel cinema in Leighton Buzzard at the age of 11. The noise of our screams is something I can remember to this day. The thing is that they grew up - they were allowed to. All my memories of David Cassidy is that clean looking young guy no beard. I now have a greater respect for him as a musician though. Thank you Fil for showing that clip and apologies to my sister for laughing at David Cassidy.
