18 Comments

Hi Brad

Wow an interesting read and how fabulous is Louise’s podcasts.

I’m a huge fan and campaigner of David Cassidy and my group is continually trying to get David more recognition for his talent . Our latest campaign is to get David on the Music Walk of Fame in Camden, London ,

David made a huge impact in London at the beginning on the 70s and through to the naughties…

Please May I ask you to say a few lines to his fans about getting David more recognition and help support our campaign by signing the petition we are currently working on

https://chng.it/CL49XpdX28

The campaign is gaining momentum and has been supported by many of David’s fans and work colleagues.

Thanks once again

Sharron Liddle

DC Facebook Group Great Britain

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Do you think that David should be nominated for induction into TRRHOF?? I know that there is a large campaign underway to send letters to the committee in this effort. David is an icon of the music industry!

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Wow, thank you, Laurie, for reading and adding a comment! Lot to unpack with that question, but here goes: "Should be nominated"? Sure, why not? But, I'm a realist, and annually see how the HOF operates each year, and frankly, I think they fear the massive backlash they'd see/hear from "serious" rock fans, who'd think the very idea would be outrageous!

Now, I'M all for it, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to continue to campaign for his nomination for his induction; but, when you have acts like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Pat Benatar, and Jethro Tull that fans are clamoring to have nominated/inducted, be prepared for an uphill battle to get a nom for Dave! Thanks again, Laurie!

BTW, be on the lookout for a 2-part EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Stephen Michael Schwartz, who was mentioned in the Cassidy article, remember? Stephen was the one whose name Dave couldn't remember as having also recorded "Get if Up For Love" before he did. I blurted out Stephen's name, and Dave was very thankful!

Anyway, Stephen has EXCLUSIVELY provided me, in great detail, not only his life story, but incredible behind-the-scenes peeks into the recording and promotion behind his '74 RCA LP, including the rock stars he'd play basketball with between takes during his recording sessions!

They're coming this week, so SUBSCRIBE, if you haven't already, to make sure that 2-part EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW gets to your e-mail inbox as soon as I publish them! Thanks again!

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Hi Brad. It really is upsetting to know the industry still thinks that way. David was no bubble gum pop idol like Donny Osmond, Bobby Sherman, or even Davy Jones. David was a rocker through and through he was in a whole other level of music than any of those sweet scracin poppp idols. David was an idol but he was a Rock Idol. I hate it that the industry still to this day laughs at the thought of David Cassidy being in the RRHOF. Rocker like Alice Cooper and Paul McCartney know how talented David was even Elton sang on stage with David---this is just so unexceptable. I wish someone would put out David's music that he wrote and sang it was just as good if not better than a lot of those in RRHOF!! Maybe you could spread the word about David in those circles. Use your reporting and writing skills to wow them over to David's musical talents. Just a thought would love to hear more from you Brad.

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Thank you, Julie, and everything you're saying is correct! Just a look at David's total career proves what you're saying...that not only did he start as a legit rocker as a teen guitarist in high school bands, pre-Partridge, his post-Partridge output lasted for decades, doing rock, pop rock, and more.

Not to diminish the talents of Donny, Bobby, and Davy, their careers were a lot more spotty, production-wise, while Dave was, I think, more consistent in using his talents! The hang-up his legacy is having is the whole genre-name headache, and the industry/HOF, et al won't be able to help themselves to simply lump Dave and the others you mentioned as frivolous bubble-poppers.

As I was telling Laurie, above, that's why I'm so fascinated by the career of Stephen Michael Schwartz and his '74 debut LP at age 20---RCA was promoting him as a very Cassidy-like teen idol, and to hear his story of how he dealt with THAT career not taking off like he had planned is gripping to hear (and read, as you'll see later this week)!

He actually won the role of a teen in a 1980 TV sitcom that was looking for a David Cassidy type! But, the upshot for Stephen is that he's been using his talents (songwriting, singing, guitar-playing) the last 4 decades carving out a successful career in the children's music lane (solo and in The Parachute Express trio)!

THAT to me is a rock star...finding a niche to create a lifelong lane after the pop star shot didn't quite pan out! Discover Stephen's music here http://www.stephenmichaelschwartz.com/

And, stay tuned for the 2-part EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Stephen that I think you'll find not only fascinating, but inspirational! Thanks again, Julie!

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David did use his talents to carve out a successful career. He was on Broadway and in Vegas and in London on stage and in Canada. Throughout his entire career, he worked continually in several genres of music and demonstrated unquestionable music excellence. The UK will recognize that, has recognized that, more than in the U.S. He is getting a star in Las Vegas on April 12, 2022 for his performances in Vegas. He should at minimum be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame but I would still try for TRRHOF.

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You reminded me about B'way and Vegas, and the others! Nice! Again highlighting the diversity of his talents that far outshone (and for a longer time) than any of the other perpetual Tiger Beat cover boys! I wanted so bad to see him and Shaun in "Blood Brothers"! I'm happy to hear about the Vegas star--that's exciting! Thanks for sharing your well-placed devotion to Dave here, Laurie, and thank you for subscribing!!

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You are welcome Brad!

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Hey, Julie....and, Laurie, too: I found this album review (while researching a Stephen Michael Schwartz article) of David's '74 live album. This review was in the September 1974 issue of Billboard Magazine (top record industry trade publication). Thought you'd find it interesting:

DAVID CASSIDY- Cassidy Live, Bell 1312. "Cassidy may not

have the constant chart singles he once enjoyed, but this set

is proof that he is still very much a part of the general music

scene. Recorded live in Britain, where his popularity is

enormous, the LP could quite easily move him as strongly

into the LP market as he was at one time in the singles market. Cuts vary from straight rock, fine ballads, and new arrangements of some familiar oldies. The vocals are more mature than ever, with strong orchestration and backing vocals, helping the overall non-teenybopper effect. Should bring in a of of new fans while retaining the old ones.

Best cuts: "It's Preying On My Mind," "Breaking Up Is

Hard To Do," "Please Please Me," "For What It's Worth,"

"Rock Medley."

Dealers: With his track record and TV success, Cassidy has a ready-made audience."

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Thank you so much for the additional information. It is very valuable in our efforts to get DC back in the limelight.

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Good for David redefining himself and making the music he wanted to make. It's an unfortunate fact of life that audiences and record companies put artists into categories and then want them to stay there and spurn them if they don't. As if we can only be one thing throughout our lives. Have to give David a great deal of credit for his reinvention. A happy story.

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Yep.....as I've said somewhere before, that same star-maker machinery we all so much want to propel us to the stratosphere, and shower us with riches is that same brutal machine that will, just as rapidly, chew you up and spit you out! After being at the top for 4+ years, yes, he WAS able to make the music he wanted to make, and with the people with whom he wanted to work! And, as you've seen, the multitude of stars who also wanted to work with him did so eagerly....they knew what a talented, overall musician he was! I'm glad you read that, Ellen....thanks!

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Such an interesting and inspiring read. You made me feel as though David Cassidy could be rediscovered without the teen idol noose around him throat. That would the best gift we could give David and his legacy. I have been trying to make that happen with my organization Help Save The Music, which is focusing on rekindling DC's music and albums. If you ever want to collaborate on making that happen contact me at correllj@purdue.edu.

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Thanks so much, Julie! I appreciate the kind words, and your efforts in Dave's direction! The frustrating thing is that he HAS been re-discovered, but sadly, only by industry folks (the musicians, especially)....which is fine (and a main focus of my article), BUT, I know you're talking about about the general public....the potential new fans, and THAT would take a buy-in by the suits on the label end, and THAT's what I don't see happening!

For David to make a come-back (of any of his previous material, of course), it'll have to be fan-driven! And, frankly, Dave would LOVE that grass-roots, fan-driven connection!! And, that's what I love about the work you, Louise, and Weronika (and so many others) are tirelessly pursuing!

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This definitely has me curious about the Bruce Johnston-produced record and I will track that down now!

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Great! I felt the same in '75..."WHAT?! He's in the studio with all these Beach Boys?!" What did you think of the BB-heavy "I Write the Songs"?

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Hmm, it's a little hard to separate it from the Barry Manilow version. But that Bruce Johnston electric piano is pretty tasty. Reminds me of "Disney Girls"...and when those vocal beds kick in, that's good stuff.

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listen or all of that album it was really good and should have been a hit in the US. I am so ashamed with the US. David was a huge hit in the UK because they didn't see the Partridge Family they only had David's music and loved his voice and anything he sang because it was that good. Our music industry has a snobbish attitude. I also encourage you and your friends to listen to David's version of Paul McCartney's "Tomorrow" and let me know what you think--Here is the YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsuhi6UnX-k

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