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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Could it be Forever? My Story by David Cassidy
The 70’s was a time of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. This was also the time of The Partridge Family, the antithesis of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. But David Cassidy (aka Keith Partridge) fit into both of these niches. His new autobiography tells his story from the time he was a child and learned his parents were divorced through his turbulent school days, his start in the acting business, his big break in The Partridge Family, and his life since being a teen-idol. This book doesn’t pull any punches. Cassidy tells everything, and some things might be shocking to some of his Keith Partridge fans. However Cassidy wants everyone to know exactly who he is. If you think he is remotely like his TV character, you are mistaken! Well, they do look alike.
Cassidy never thought of being a recording artist. His goal was to be an accomplished actor. His parents were both actors (Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward) although neither had the success of their son. David had a rocky relationship with his father. Jack Cassidy, as David divulges, was not who his fans thought he was. This man was completely self-absorbed and dysfunctional and David and his three brothers (actually they are half-brothers but don’t consider the “half” part) had to contend with their father’s manic behavior. They each currently have successful careers of their own.
David Cassidy divulges his innermost feelings about his family and himself. His life has had its ups and downs. Actually, to be more specific, he has been to the mountain top and down to Death Valley career-wise and emotionally.
His stardom came early; too early in the mind of his father. But once The Partridge Family hit the airwaves the rollercoaster ride was off and running and there was no turning back. The producers knew what they had with David – a teen idol. And they did everything to exploit him. Cassidy worked on the TV show during the weekdays and on weekends he was off performing concerts for his fans around the country. On Monday he would be back at work in the studio. This took its toll on the young man both physically and mentally. He had tried all kinds of drugs prior to the show, but insists during the run of the show he abstained from illegal drugs. Cassidy felt he had an obligation to his fans and took his responsibility seriously.
However he felt trapped - in the show and in the Keith Partridge persona. His musical taste was not the bubble gum sound of The Partridge Family, however he did like most of the songs. But David’s music taste ran more to blues and rock and roll. He desperately wanted to move on and when the show ended he tried to do just that.
During his career he was too trusting and naive. At one point after the show and after he had spent all his time performing, he was just about broke. His business managers did not look after his interests and he had to start from the bottom once again. After being on top he found he was back where he started.
The stories David tells about his family, his career and his experiences are sensitive and definitely not sugar-coated! His stories lay out his experiences and feelings bluntly but also with emotion so readers can get inside the man and strip away the assumptions they might have. Cassidy bares his soul about his drug use, sexual escapades, relationships, music and acting. Interspersed with his narration are comments from people in his life. His brothers, Shaun, Patrick and Ryan each add their memories and relate stories about their brother. And David’s friends and wife also add input. It’s safe to say once you’re finished you will have a complete picture of David Cassidy – as complete as possible. His son Beau admits there are parts of his father’s life that even he doesn’t know.
Today David Cassidy is a successful man. His love for horses turned into a profitable business, and he continues to perform live in concerts around the world. David Cassidy – Could it be Forever? My Story is an interesting and in-depth look at the life of this man who was perhaps the first real teen idol.
© 2006 Francine Brokaw
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