A new challenge
Luis Pena
David Cassidy, the quintessential 1970s teen pop idol, keeps on
rocking with a new twist to symphonic music at the Orange County
Performing Arts Center.
Cassidy, 53, best known for his portrayal of Keith Partridge in
the early ‘70s TV show “The Partridge Family,” has been performing
for more than 30 years.
Cassidy had seven hit singles with the Partridge Family, including
“Breaking Up is Hard To Do” and “I Think I Love You.” He had five hit
singles as a solo artist, which include “Cherish” and “Could It Be
Forever.”
Cassidy has since extended his talent to Broadway. He appeared in
the original production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat.” He also appeared in “Blood Brothers” with his real life
half-brother Shaun Cassidy.
Over his long career, Cassidy has sold more than 25 million
records. For many artists, these past accomplishments would be enough
to satisfy and fulfill their goals and dreams.
“During my last world tour, I played stadiums, and it was five
years of madness and hysteria,” Cassidy said. “I wanted to do other
things, and the only way that I could do that was walking away from
the top.”
Fame and money aren’t that important to him, Cassidy said, and he
doesn’t try to compete with those two factors, because he wants the
art to be the reason for doing what he does. He feels that doing it
for the love of the art is what has made him a success. “I don’t want
to play the same part over and over again. I’ve done that. ...
There’s no challenge in doing something you’ve done, as great as it
is,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy is taking up a new challenge by performing with the
Pacific Symphony Pops. This will be his first time performing on
stage with a symphony of its caliber. His performance will include
all new arrangements written for the Pacific Symphony. The
performance will include hits such as “I think I Love You” and
“Doesn’t Somebody Want to be Wanted.”
He asked his fans on his Web site what song they wanted him to
perform with the Pacific Symphony, and the No. 1 response was
“Cherish,” from his 1972 solo debut album.
“When they offered the opportunity for me to do it, I thought,
‘There’s a challenge ... . Here’s something that I haven’t done that
I’d like to do,” Cassidy said.
Longevity has been a mainstay of Cassidy’s career. He was recently
voted the No. 2 teen idol in VH-1’s 50 Greatest Teen Idols, coming in
second to Britney Spears.
“As far as being recognized for my accomplishments, it’s always a
compliment. I’m flattered, and I guess it’s not a disgrace to be
second to Britney Spears,” Cassidy said.
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