Behind The Music Season 1 Episode 31 David Cassidy
- June 7, 1998
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6.5 (11)
David Cassidy was a breakout star in the 1970s as lead singer of The Partridge Family, a fictional musical family band on the hit sitcom of the same name. The show and band were created around the family of a widowed mother who decides to form a pop group with her five children. Cassidy's character, Keith Partridge, became an overnight teen idol, with fans clamoring for his music and posters adorning the walls of young girls' bedrooms across the country.
Born into a family of entertainers, Cassidy had music in his blood. His father, Jack Cassidy, was a Tony Award-winning Broadway actor, and his mother, Evelyn Ward, was a model and actress. Growing up, David was exposed to the world of show business, and he knew from a young age that he wanted to follow in his parents' footsteps.
In 1969, at the age of 19, Cassidy landed his first major role on Broadway in the musical "The Fig Leaves Are Falling." Although the show only ran for four performances, Cassidy's talent shone through, and he quickly gained a following.
It was a few years later that Cassidy was offered the role of Keith Partridge on "The Partridge Family." The show was an instant hit, and Cassidy's good looks and charm quickly made him a heartthrob for teenage girls everywhere. But behind the scenes, Cassidy struggled with the pressure of fame and the expectations placed on him by his fans and the media.
Over the course of the show's run, Cassidy became increasingly disillusioned with the music he was making and the direction the show was heading. He longed to break away from the clean-cut image that had been created for him and to make music that was more reflective of his own tastes and interests.
After "The Partridge Family" ended its run in 1974, Cassidy embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums and touring extensively. Despite his initial success, however, he found it difficult to break free from the shadow of his former persona. His music was often dismissed as lightweight and lacking in substance, and he struggled to gain critical acclaim.
In the late 1970s, Cassidy's personal life began to spiral out of control. He became involved in a series of tumultuous relationships and struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Despite these struggles, he continued to tour and perform, but his personal demons began to take a toll on his career.
As the 1980s dawned, Cassidy's star began to fade. His music continued to be ignored by critics, and his personal problems made him tabloid fodder. He attempted several comebacks over the years, but they never gained the traction he had hoped for.
Tragically, Cassidy's life came to an untimely end in 2017, when he passed away from liver failure at the age of 67. Despite his struggles and setbacks, however, his impact on the world of music and pop culture cannot be denied. With his boyish good looks and catchy pop songs, he captured the hearts of a generation and left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.