David Cassidy on the Web
MORONGO: 10 things we learned from David Cassidy
June 23, 2015
“The Partridge Family” star is set to rock out at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa Friday, June 26.
June 23, 2015
By Timothy Guy
www.pe.com/articles/cassidy-771244-guitar-king.html
“There aren't many items left on the career bucket list of David Cassidy.“
“He starred on the hit show “The Partridge Family” in the 1970s, sold millions of albums, made teen girls swoon, showed off his acting chops on Broadway and became close friends with John Lennon. His career, which is nearing the 50 year mark, will be the focus of his upcoming show at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa on Friday, June 26.“
“Cassidy talked about his music and upcoming tour in a telephone interview earlier this month. Here are 10 things he shared with us about his life and the show:“
1. The Beatles inspired him to pick up the guitar.
The day after The Beatles were on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” Cassidy went out and got an electric guitar. “I had chills from it,” he said. “I’d never seen anything like it.”
2. He was friends with John Lennon.
The Beatles legend and Cassidy visited each others’ homes and had dinner together several times. They also jammed together.
“It was the biggest thrill for me,” he said. “He was totally the goods. To me, he had more to with changing the world in the ‘60s than anyone.”
3. His musical influences have a lot of blues roots.
Among his musical idols are B.B. King, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin. As far as artists today, Cassidy thinks John Mayer is “one heck” of a guitar player.
4. He met blues legend B.B. King.
Cassidy went to see the blues legend at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles in the late ‘60s. After the show, King walked out alone with his prized guitar Lucille. Cassidy, who was still in high school, walked King to his car and carried his guitar for him.
“Keep doing what you love to do,” Cassidy remembered King telling him. “Keep playing guitar. I hope someday you’ll be successful in whatever you pursue.”
5. He pays tribute to his friends and idols on stage.
Cassidy’s Morongo show may include tributes and dedications to Lennon and Monkees singer Davy Jones. He’ll also play all of “The Partridge Family” hits.
6. Touring can be tough.
“It becomes harder and harder to travel,” he said. “I have arthritis in my lower back and also in my hands, which makes it difficult to play. But, I find a way to do it. I warm up a lot. I live in South Florida and travel across the country and back is a big deal for me.”
7. David Cassidy appeared on the 1990s version of “The Flash” as the villain Mirror Master.
“I got to play a character that was very different from what I was known for,” he said. “I got to slick my hair back with grease. I had a totally different look and attitude. All of the actors and creative staff were great.”
Currently, his daughter Katie Cassidy stars as a superhero on “Arrow” and “The Flash.”
8. His upcoming album is inspired by his late father, singer and actor Jack Cassidy.
Called “Songs My Father Taught Me,” he plans to include songs such as “Night and Day” by Cole Porter.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, because my father had such a huge influence on me,” he said. “He taught me a lot about Cole Porter, Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein and all these great composers.”
9. On stage, Cassidy tells the tales behind the music.
“Some people say I talk too much,” he said. “Because I like telling the story about why I’m singing that song. Especially when I’m dedicating them.”
10. While Cassidy looks back on his career on stage, he’s very focused on what’s ahead.
“I’m proud of my past and proud of all I’ve accomplished, but I live in the present,” he said. “And I’m so excited about the future of what I’m doing.”
If you go
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon
Admission: $29-$39 plus fees
