The David Cassidy Connections

Jim Stevens has been a music fan all his life specifically David Cassidy’s vocals with The Partridge Family. The Beatles were an early influence for him and music has helped him in recent years on a journey of self-discovery. It is well worth checking out his You Tube channel and listen to two of his creative albums BeDo and Connective Energies. We discuss the pressures of fame, how rock music changed in the 1980s and 1990s and where David Cassidy’s music and reinvention of his career sits in the history of rock music. Jim Stevens - YouTube

My guest today is Dr Quizzler who experiments with music and puts his own identity onto covers of The Partridge Family songs. He refers to the family garage as his “happy place” and in our conversation explains his musical heritage, why he loves the music and its importance to future generations. You can visit his YouTube channel: Summer Days - Partridge Family / David Cassidy (Cover by DrQuizzler) - YouTube Listen and Follow on Apple: The David Cassidy Connections on Apple Podcasts Listen and Follow on Google: Google Podcasts - the david cassidy connections Listen and Follow on Spotify: The David Cassidy Connections | Podcast on Spotify www.davidcassidylegacy.com Twitter: @LouisePoynton David Cassidy Rocks @CassidyUnited Instagram: louisepoyntonauthor All episodes can also be found in short and full formats on You Tube. Subscribe to Louise Poynton Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love is available from Amazon and all bookshops online or in store.

This is the third part of 3 specials celebrating 2 years of The David Cassidy Connections, created and presented by journalist and author, Louise Poynton. David reached the hearts and souls of millions around the world and left his mark in many ways, primarily the inspiration to change lives. These are their stories. Listen and Follow on Apple: The David Cassidy Connections on Apple Podcasts Listen and Follow on Google: Google Podcasts - the david cassidy connections Listen and Follow on Spotify: The David Cassidy Connections | Podcast on Spotify www.davidcassidylegacy.com Twitter: @LouisePoynton David Cassidy Rocks @CassidyUnited Instagram: louisepoyntonauthor All episodes can be found in short and full formats on You Tube. Subscribe to Louise Poynton Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love is available from Amazon and all bookshops online or in store.

This is the second of 3 specials celebrating 2 years of The David Cassidy Connections, created and presented by journalist and author, Louise Poynton. David reached the hearts and souls of millions around the world and left his mark in many ways, primarily the inspiration to change lives. These are their stories.

This is the first part of 3 specials celebrating 2 years of The David Cassidy Connections, created and presented by journalist and author, Louise Poynton. David reached the hearts and souls of millions around the world and left his mark in many ways, primarily the inspiration to change lives. These are their stories.

Brad Kyle is a music enthusiast whose professional career in radio started in 1975 the summer he met David Cassidy. Their interview for his university radio station in Houston, Texas, turned out to be a conversation which allowed David to be relaxed, amusing and honest about his solo career as he embarked on a new career path. Brad currently provides content on Front Row & Backstage | Brad Kyle | Substack where you will find his full archive of published articles about music and sport. We talk about his meeting with David, observations of his career, the burden of being marketed to a teenage market, where he places David in the history of American music and his connection with Judy Garland and The Sex Pistols.

Las Vegas Entertainer Michael La Rocca reveals the majority of things he has done in his life and career lead back to David Cassidy. Michael started his career in 1970 in a local production of The Wizard of Oz in Buffalo, New York. He was King of the Flying Monkeys. The film had a massive impact on his life. He appeared in his first professional production three years later when still only 14, and received five-star acclaim starring in a six-year run of his super-successful nightclub show Bravo Broadway. He has hosted several CBS telecasts of the Miss America State Pageant, and took his one-man show to Las Vegas to critical acclaim. His theatrical credits include starring roles in many musicals including Hello Dolly!, Oklahoma, Grease, Sweet Charity and Godspell. He also created several popular musical reviews. Michael is a Minister with the Universal Life Church and calls himself the Tin Man as a result of the numerous spinal surgeries he has undergone. He runs a Facebook group The Partridge Family…Get On The Bus THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY...GET ON THE BUS | Facebook

Join me to celebrate the 50th episode with a very special guest. Ron Hicklin is the unknown singer behind the backing vocals of hundreds of recording artists. His vocal group, The Ron Hicklin Singers, became the “go to” backing vocalists for the top groups and solo artists, and were the real singers behind the background vocals of David Cassidy and The Partridge Family. Ron rarely gives interviews, but today shares with me some of the highlights of his career working with some of the biggest stars on the planet from Elvis to The Three Tenors. He was also the voice of Alvin in The Chipmunks, and a ghost singer for The Monkees. He describes himself as a “hidden star” whose voice has featured on around 100 number one hits; up to 400 movies, television themes including Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Batman, Flipper, plus radio and tv commercials. Ron kept detailed notes about every session over the 4 year run of the Partridge Family television series, a breakdown of which can be found on the website: The PF Recording Sessions! (cmongethappy.com) As a youngster he loved singing, joined a local singing group and formed his own group when 11 years old. Ron graduated from Renton High School in Washington and had planned on becoming a doctor studying at the University of Washington, but his first love music was pulling him back. At 19 he and his group signed with Capitol Records but realised he did not want to be a star and abandoned that for studio work. In the 1980s, Ron created Killer Music to write, perform and produce custom commercials which led to the company becoming the best in the business. This led to the creation of a catalogue music production company, Killer Tracks, which he again took to the top of the charts.

Liza Coppola learned to play the guitar at the age of 13, inspired by David Cassidy and the music of The Partridge Family. She explored her love of music and singing, over the years building her confidence and skills to perform in public. She has been singing and playing her favourite songs from the soundtrack of her life in restaurants and coffee shops for the past 15 years. Her opening number, of course, is C’mon Get Happy. Originally from the New York City area, Liza is mother to two daughters Dana and Brette. Liza shared her life story and photographs of meeting David and his mother, Evelyn Ward, with me for Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love available from Amazon and bookshops in store or online. Check out her Facebook page for details of upcoming gigs www.facebook.com/fearlessacousticrock/

This week my special guest is talking about his amazing life journey which took him from being a songwriter for The Partridge Family to discovering, producing and managing Bruce Springsteen. Mike Appel always wanted to be a songwriter and musician starting his career in the Brill Building which was the heartbeat of the music industry in New York. Born in Flushing, Queens, he was a member of groups in the 1950s and 1960s including The Balloon Farm, co-writing their 1967 hit, A Question of Temperature. Mike worked with song writing duos including Leiber & Stoller, Hugo & Luigi. With his writing partner Jim Cretecos, five songs they penned together were recorded by The Partridge Family – the million seller Doesn’t Somebody Want To Be Wanted along with I Can Feel Your Heartbeat, Somebody Wants To Love You, Rainmaker and Umbrella Man. Mike went on to discover and manage Bruce Springsteen. He produced Springsteen's first two albums and co-produced Springsteen’s third and breakthrough album, Born To Run. In our conversation Mike talks about the skills he has learnt from other songwriters, his own writing technique, the first meeting of songwriters at the pilot showing of The Partridge Family, the legacy of that music, and how he would have managed David Cassidy. He is currently working on a Broadway musical, Stage Door Johnny, and his autobiography. Visit his website: Mike Appel: writer, musician, singer, arranger & producer

Ryan Roxie is one of the world’s greatest guitarists and performed on stage with the best. Known as a solo artist and singer/songwriter he is also recognised for his guitar work and collaborations with Alice Cooper, Casablanca and Slash’s Snakepit. He tells everyone he was inspired to play the guitar by Keith – not Richards but Partridge. And David Cassidy played a key role in his successful career. He started working with Alice in 1996 and collaborated with him on several albums including Dirty Diamonds, The Eyes of Alice Cooper and Dragontown. He rejoined the band in 2012. Roxie spent 2 years recording with Slash’s Snakepit Ain’t Life Grand, but admits “in reality, I always wanted to be Keith Partridge”. Roxie is a huge fan of British Glam Rock with Sweet, T Rex, Mott the Hoople among his favourite groups. He has given The Move’s California Man and Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody the Roxie treatment. He hosts a weekly podcast, In The Trenches, and is the founder of the System-12 Guitar method. In our conversation we talk about his love of Bubblegum Pop, fame and where he rates David Cassidy in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. You can find Ryan Roxie on the following social media links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanroxie (@ryanroxie) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanRoxie/ (Ryan Roxie) Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanroxie (@RyanRoxie) YouTube: https://bit.ly/RyanRoxieOfficialYT In The Trenches Podcast: https://ryanroxie.com/podcast Website: https://www.ryanroxie.com

Doug Voet has an illustrious stage career appearing in numerous productions. Singer, actor, producer, horse lover and close friend of David’s, they met in 1983 when David took over the lead role on Broadway in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Doug taught David the role and their friendship grew. Some years later David, who was starring in EFX in Las Vegas, offered Doug a new direction in his career inviting him to produce a new show, At The Copa, he had created. They also worked together on The Rat Pack Is Back and Doug went on to be David’s tour manager on his US and UK tours. Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love by Louise Poynton is available from Amazon and can be ordered instore or online from all bookstores.

Jesse Jackson is a podcaster, host of Set Lusting Bruce which has been running for more than 800 episodes. Jesse loved watching The Partridge Family and was inspired by David Cassidy growing up. Aside from his love of Bruce Springsteen’s music, he is a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the long running science fiction stories of Dr Who. Find Jesse on social media: Podcast: Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Podcast (libsyn.com) Twitter: @JesseJacksonDFW Facebook: Set Lusting Bruce: A Bruce Springsteen Podcast Email: setlustingbruce@gmail.com Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love by Louise Poynton is available on Amazon and through all bookshops in store or online.

Barb Collentine has been a David Cassidy fan for more than half a century and is President of the I Think I Love You Animal Foundation established in his memory. A retired high school English teacher, Barb taught for 27 years in Bergen County, New Jersey, about 40 minutes from West Orange, David's childhood home. She created and runs the David Cassidy Virtual Fan Club believed to be the only one of its kind. A former foster mother of about 11 children, Barb admits they were schooled on David Cassidy and The Partridge Family with PF sing-alongs to the CDs whenever they were in the car. Click here to read more about The I Think I Love You Animal Foundation and learn how to make any donation I Think I Love You Animal Foundation Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love by Louise Poynton is available from Amazon and all book shops in store or online.

Marlene Kern Fischer is a writer, blogger, mother of 3 and self-confessed food shopper extraordinaire. Marlene has been a lifelong David fan, meeting him on her 30th birthday after a performance of Blood Brothers on Broadway. She explains in our conversation why she is keen to find the British tourists who took the photograph of them together. Her blog on Facebook, Thoughts From Aisle 4 has an increasing number of dedicated followers, many inspired by her first book Gained a Daughter But Nearly Lost My Mind – How I Planned a Backyard Wedding During a Pandemic. Find Marlene on social media: Facebook: Thoughts From Aisle 4 Instagram: @Aisle4marlene Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love by Louise Poynton is available on Amazon or through bookshops in store or online.

David always had a passion for horses and was regarded by this week’s guest, veteran horse trainer Gary Contessa as “the consummate student of pedigrees.” Gary was a close friend for decades and trained most of David’s horses. As a boy David would watch his cowboy hero Roy Rogers on television and used his signature song title Happy Trails as his sign-off on letters and album liner notes. One of his favourite movies was The Homestretch starring Maureen O’Hara. He also narrated seven stories from the popular children’s adventure series, Billy and Blaze, about a boy and his pony. David was a long-time breeder within the New York programme. Sweet Vendetta was one of a handful of horses which put him in the winners’ circle. His thoroughbreds were trained by Gary who has more than 2,300 winners in his portfolio. Gary was NYRA’s leading trainer from 2006-2009. In 2007 he set a record with 159 NYRA wins and was twice Trainer of the Year. Gary shares how he worked his way up the ladder from walking and grooming horses to become a leading trainer in New York. He reveals his greatest moments as a trainer, how he overcomes his fears and the bond he shared with David. Gary shares anecdotes from their decades-long friendship, talks about the I Think I Love You Animal Foundation established in David’s memory and his powerful vision for the future of racing with greater fan engagement at the tracks. Twitter @GaryContessa YouTube: Gary Contessa Television Home | IThinkILoveYouAnimal Listen and Follow on Apple: The David Cassidy Connections on Apple Podcasts Listen and Follow on Google: Google Podcasts - the david cassidy connections Listen and Follow on Spotify: The David Cassidy Connections | Podcast on Spotify Louise’s Twitter @LouisePoynton David Cassidy Rocks @CassidyUnited Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love by Louise Poynton is available from Amazon and all bookshops online or in store.

Jon Provost was at High School with David Cassidy and is best known for his role as Timmy Martin in the legendary television series, Lassie, a role he played for seven years. He got his first break at the age of 2 playing Jane Wyman’s son in So Big, and we talk about the impact of being a child star. Jon went on to play the son of Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly in the Country Girl; worked alongside Clint Eastwood and Kurt Russell, Robert Redford and Natalie Wood. The check shirt and jeans Jon wore for seven years on Lassie hang in The Smithsonian. David contributed to Jon’s autobiography Timmy’s In The Well. In our often-emotional conversation, he recalls reaching out to David when he could see he was struggling with his health, and explains his own battle with alcohol addiction. For more information about Jon, visit his website www.jonprovost.com Listen and Follow on Apple: The David Cassidy Connections on Apple Podcasts Listen and Follow on Google: Google Podcasts - the david cassidy connections Listen and Follow on Spotify: The David Cassidy Connections | Podcast on Spotify Louise’s Twitter @LouisePoynton David Cassidy Rocks @CassidyUnited Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love by Louise Poynton is available from Amazon and all bookshops online or in store.

Ken Wank is an award-winning songwriter, inspired by lyricist Tony Romeo who wrote many songs recorded under The Partridge Family banner. These included the multi-million selling first hit, I Think I Love You, Summer Days, My Christmas Card To You, It’s One of Those Nights and Morning Rider on the Road among many others. Ken, also inspired by the vocal delivery of David Cassidy, has won more than 30 song writing awards including The John Lennon, VH-1 Song of the Year and The Great American Song contests. Ken shares some of the material he has written including songs influenced by the albums, A Partridge Family Christmas Card, Sound Magazine and Crossword Puzzle. Visit his website: https://Kenwank.com Click Here to Tweet Listen and Follow on Apple: The David Cassidy Connections on Apple Podcasts Listen and Follow on Google: Google Podcasts - the david cassidy connections Listen and Follow on Spotify: The David Cassidy Connections | Podcast on Spotify Louise’s Twitter @LouisePoynton David Cassidy Rocks @CassidyUnited Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love is available from Amazon and all bookshops online or in store.

Robyn Hadden was personal assistant to David Cassidy when he took over the starring role in EFX, the biggest show in Las Vegas in 1996. David replaced Michael Crawford who had hand-picked Robyn to be his personal assistant. She continued working in that role with David throughout his time in Vegas where he also was behind successful productions, At The Copa and The Rat Pack Is Back. When David returned to concerts, Robyn toured both the United States and the UK with him making lifelong friendships with many fans. Robyn had planned to be a pharmacist and explains her journey into the world of entertainment, later working in Special Events. She earned her Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation in 2000 and her Masters Degree from the University of Nevada in 2005. She served as Director of Alumni & College Relations at the UNLV College of Hospitality and continued her career at the Ohio State University where she was Associate Director (Special Events). In our amusing and, at times, emotional conversation, Robyn shares anecdotes from her years knowing David and explains why at 40 she decided to follow her dream of becoming a mother through IVF and an anonymous donor. She became mother to Jack in 2011, and later moved back to Ohio having met the love of her life. Click Here to Tweet Listen and Follow on Apple: The David Cassidy Connections on Apple Podcasts Listen and Follow on Google: Google Podcasts - the david cassidy connections Listen and Follow on Spotify: The David Cassidy Connections | Podcast on Spotify Louise’s Twitter @LouisePoynton David Cassidy Rocks @CassidyUnited Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love is available from Amazon and all bookshops online or in store.

Jay Gruska is a songwriter, composer and producer with an impressive portfolio. He has been responsible for some of the best loved themes for film, and television including Charmed and Supernatural. He received an Emmy nomination for his soundtrack to the television series, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Jay wrote for, and with, David Cassidy. He explains David’s contribution to I Never Saw You Coming written by Jay, Billy Mumy and David Jolliffe which appeared on David’s Getting It In the Street album. Jay worked on the album, and they later co-wrote the theme for the Man Undercover television series in which David starred. In 2009, Jay was composer, co-songwriter and music producer on the popular but short-lived sitcom created by David’s half-brother Shaun, Ruby and The Rockits. Jay is also known for co-writing the hit duet Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ for Jermaine and Michael Jackson and Chicago’s What You’re Missing. Click Here to Tweet Listen and Follow on Apple: The David Cassidy Connections on Apple Podcasts Listen and Follow on Google: Google Podcasts - the david cassidy connections Listen and Follow on Spotify: The David Cassidy Connections | Podcast on Spotify Louise’s Twitter @LouisePoynton David Cassidy Rocks @CassidyUnited Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love is available from Amazon and all bookshops online or in store.