David Cassidy on the Web
David Cassidy on a 'musical journey'
Thursday, August 10, 2006
From the Potomac News and Manassas Journal Messenger
www.potomacnews.com
By KYLE RIDLEY
The level of success David Cassidy achieved over the last 38 years is unparalleled by most.
Debuting on the small screen in 1970 playing Keith Partridge in the hit series "The Partridge Family," Cassidy became the world's highest paid performer by age 21 and by 1975 had the largest fan club in history, surpassing Elvis Presley and the Beatles. This Saturday the New York native brings his multi-platinum catalogue of songs to the Birchmere for a "musical journey" through his career.
"Being able to go back into what would amount to an old chest and you find these jewels - the songs and the music," said Cassidy on his return to touring. "Knowing that there is such an energy from the fans about it is a pretty magical thing and a celebration really."
Raised in the public eye, Cassidy, 56, received support from his father, actor Jack Cassidy, and Academy Award-winning stepmother Shirley Jones, who also played his mother on "The Partridge Family." His dad's "strong work ethic" taught him about discipline.
"I'd been working as the only non-professional in my last year of high school. His advice to me was never turn down a job," said Cassidy.
Over the years Cassidy stuck to his father's advice and reached supreme heights with his music, breaking records in selling out stadiums around the world with hits such as "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" and "I Think I Love You."
Becoming a worldwide phenomenon in his early 20s was not all fun and games for Cassidy. The constant touring and life in the public eye left him overexposed and craving the anonymity he once had.
"I was lost and overwhelmed and I needed to stop after five years," said Cassidy, who did not perform for three years once deciding to back away from the limelight.
With two children of his own, Cassidy has gone over the entertainment highs and lows with both his son Beau, 14, and daughter Katie, 19. Both children are musicians and plan to work in the industry.
"Work on your craft and get as much experience as you can because you're only a virgin once and once you're exposed the opportunity may not be there anymore," said Cassidy on the advice he gives to his kids. He feels it is vital to give all of oneself even if the end result is not what you had hoped for.
"I think in retrospect you learn a lot from your failures; you haven't lived unless you've tried and failed," said Cassidy. "Everybody swings and misses and you learn from your mistakes. It's always been about the work - the rest comes after that."
Having been married for 15 years now to songwriter Sue Shifrin-Cassidy, the balance between fame and maintaining a grounded home life has become an easier task over the years.
"I do it a lot better now than I did 10 years ago when I was doing 10 shows a week ? carting my wife and son around whenever I had the chance," said Cassidy, who now spends most of his time in his South Florida home.
During the late '90s, Cassidy was round the clock busy on the Las Vegas Strip, performing at the MGM Grand in the $75 million production of "EFX." The show garnered numerous awards and became the most successful production in Las Vegas.
Through the decades, Cassidy has remained true to his sound and song elements despite the constant shifts in the industry.
"My thought process has been I still want to play and sing. I record live vocals on tracks which is the way I did all my Partridge albums and three solo albums," said Cassidy, who finds it "uninspiring to work with machines."
The ever changing format of radio and the record industry is something Cassidy is not interested in conforming to.
"It's more of a business than about the music. The machinery in terms of selling has become much more sophisticated and they can do that selling product, but the product is weaker to me," he said. "It doesn't allow for nearly as much individuality."
Through acting, writing, directing, producing, performing on Broadway and Las Vegas stages, and touring the world, Cassidy describes the relationship with his devoted fans as "sweaty and really cool - I just let it all hang."
"I get to do what I love to do. It's been a phenomenal ride for me and it's really all about the fans," said Cassidy.
WHEN YOU GO
* David Cassidy
* The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
* 7:30 p.m. Saturday
* Tickets: $55
* (703) 549-7500 or birchmere.com
