David Cassidy News Brings Out Partridge Family Records

Pardon my slip into the mod 1970s on this edition of the Nostalgic Rambler. I saw a recent news story that singer David Cassidy was spending time in rehab for alcoholism and it got me to thinking about the early 1970s when we were all enthralled by The Partridge Family. I wasn't even a teen then and was caught up in the fever. 

If you're a young whippersnapper and haven't seen The Partridge Family, it is easy to find on Youtube, DVD or reruns. 

I heard someone say "We all watched the Bradys but we all wanted to be the Partridges." How cool it would be to travel all around with your family in a bus and sing songs. Well we watched both quite religiously as I recall. And of course had to buy those records....

Who wouldn't want to be in a family where the mom is Shirley Jones of "Oklahoma!" and "Music Man" fame? Sister Susan Dey was quite a knock out and David of course was Mister Cool. Even now most of the 1970s clothes look like a fashion statement. Bell bottoms anyone!?

The whole premise of the show was totally unrealistic but it was great television escape. The country bought into the escape and often didn't even realize that the only voices on the records who were on actually the show were Jones and Cassidy, the rest were professional musicians. (I think one of the main guys is currently married to one of the Lennon Sisters of Lawrence Welk fame!)

Anyhow, I certainly wish 60 year old something David Cassidy well. I guess he did or maybe even still lives in Florida, the home of The Nostalgic Rambler! David's drinking and marital problems are sad to read about. Despite that, recent interviews show that he knows he was a positive influence on a lot of people during his career. I wish him the best and hope he can escape the demons of addiction.

So the old Partridge Family records came out of the cabinet and I'm converting them to cd. My wife had never seen The Partridge Family before. With my love of music she can probably see why I was so addicted to it in my early life. The closest I came to being a Partridge was singing in the school choir!

Worthy of the name legend: Henry Mancini

Today the word "legend" and "iconic" seems to refer to any Johnny-Come-Lately nobody. This Nostalgic Rambler posting is about a true legend, icon and genius, Mr. Henry Mancini.

 Mr. Mancini did a lot of music for film and television but it was not the average melody to be forgotten. Many songs are now legendary and one of a kind.  Back when postage was only 37 cents we got to celebrate Mancini with a stamp. There were so many hits they couldn't fit them all on the stamp. Notice the Pink Panther on the left of the stamp. He wrote that theme, too.

 

Although the movie is one of the strangest stories I've ever seen, the music to Breakfast at Tiffany's is magnificent. The opening credits with Audrey and Mancini's music is just lovely and when she sings the song "Moon River" during the movie, it is film magic.

 

I will have to do a blog sometime on lyric genius Johnny Mercer, another one of my favorites. The lyrics to The Days of Wine and Roses are achingly beautiful and Mancini's music is iconic.

 

Mancini and Mercer were Academy Award winners, but everyone knows that, don't they? Probably not anymore...that's why we're here!  I like these pics. Mancini guested on Lawrence Welk and the audience loved it. Pic on right is Mancini with Mercer.

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 I had the privilege of seeing Henry Mancini in concert in Sarasota Florida years ago. He was so easy going and likeable. He said something along these lines. "People tell me they hear my music in elevators. Don't feel sorry for me. Every time they play my songs in those elevators, I get paid..."

 Henry's legacy is alive on the radio, in film, on tv and on his webpage.  If you don't know about this American genius, you can find a slew of info about him there.