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C'mon, Get Happy . . .: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus
This memoir by David Cassidy tells the real story behind his phenomenal ’70s stardom—and the sadness that shadowed it. Includes photos and a new afterword.
Barely out of his teens, David Cassidy landed a role on a new sitcom about a musical family that toured in a psychedelic bus. The critics blasted it—but TV viewers loved it! And the young female audience especially loved Keith Partridge. Not only did they tune in each week, they bought The Partridge Family’s hit single, “I Think I Love You,” in the millions, and plastered David’s image on their bedroom walls. Throughout the early seventies, David Cassidy was a phenomenon.
In this wry, witty memoir, he recounts not only those wild youthful years and Hollywood relationships—with, among others, stepmom Shirley Jones, costar Susan Dey, actress Meredith Baxter, and two guest stars who soon found greater fame on Charlie’s Angels—but also the darker parts of his life as well. David delves into his painful family history and his childhood in West Orange, New Jersey, and the groupies and drugs he indulged in as his success began to overwhelm him. He also shares his encounters with the icons of the era—Lennon and McCartney, Elvis, the Beach Boys, and more. Most of all, he takes us back to a time when the world seemed more innocent—at least until the camera stopped rolling.
Includes a new afterword about David’s final years by friend and coauthor Chip Deffaa.
“A chatty read about becoming an overnight success and all the trappings that came with it: Tiger Beat magazine, sold-out stadium shows, hit records, willing girls in every hotel lobby.” —Star Tribune
Barely out of his teens, David Cassidy landed a role on a new sitcom about a musical family that toured in a psychedelic bus. The critics blasted it—but TV viewers loved it! And the young female audience especially loved Keith Partridge. Not only did they tune in each week, they bought The Partridge Family’s hit single, “I Think I Love You,” in the millions, and plastered David’s image on their bedroom walls. Throughout the early seventies, David Cassidy was a phenomenon.
In this wry, witty memoir, he recounts not only those wild youthful years and Hollywood relationships—with, among others, stepmom Shirley Jones, costar Susan Dey, actress Meredith Baxter, and two guest stars who soon found greater fame on Charlie’s Angels—but also the darker parts of his life as well. David delves into his painful family history and his childhood in West Orange, New Jersey, and the groupies and drugs he indulged in as his success began to overwhelm him. He also shares his encounters with the icons of the era—Lennon and McCartney, Elvis, the Beach Boys, and more. Most of all, he takes us back to a time when the world seemed more innocent—at least until the camera stopped rolling.
Includes a new afterword about David’s final years by friend and coauthor Chip Deffaa.
“A chatty read about becoming an overnight success and all the trappings that came with it: Tiger Beat magazine, sold-out stadium shows, hit records, willing girls in every hotel lobby.” —Star Tribune
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1994
646 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
David Cassidy
5 books20 followersDavid Cassidy was an American actor, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was known for his role as Keith Partridge, the son of Shirley Partridge (played by his stepmother Shirley Jones), in the 1970s musical-sitcom The Partridge Family. David was an iconic teen idol in the 1970’s with sellout concert successes in major arenas around the world. He maintained a career spanning movies, theatre, music, writing, and directing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 3, 2020
I am David Cassidy's age, so (like him) I was too old to watch The Partridge Family during its primetime run. Cassidy never really says if he watched the show while playing Keith, but it doesn't seem as though he would have had the time or the interest once his teen idol status kicked in. Cassidy was exploited by Screen Gems and forced to keep to an inhuman work schedule. Five days of shooting were invariably followed by concerts all weekend until his body and spirit eventually broke under the strain.
Cassidy seems obsessed with 1970-1974 as the defining experience of his life, which in retrospect it must have been. He entered into it with no real preparation for what would happen when he agreed to star in the sitcom. Interestingly, there is a brief mention of Bobby Sherman, the other teen idol of the period. And by the time The Partridge Family picked up the slack, The Monkees had run its course. But it never seems to have occurred to Cassidy to look at Sherman, Jones or Dolenz as Butterick patterns for what he might expect.
He is also bitter about the lack of parenting he received from his father, Jack Cassidy. The elder Cassidy is presented as an unrelieved disaster. His death in 1975 left the issues between him and his eldest son completely unresolved. David skims over this for the rest of the book dealing with his post-Keith life, but it is clear the lack of a relationship with Jack was the greatest influence upon him. His marriage to Kay Lenz is doomed from the start, his second wife rates a paragraph and his third marriage, still strong at the time the book was written, inevitably ended in divorce. Cassidy is complimentary of her, but never conveys why the relationship worked. There is a sad afterword by his co-author that details what happened after the book was published: a spiral of drunk driving arrests, bankruptcies, professional disappointment and ultimate death from alcohol abuse.
The one-star is not for the sadness of Cassidy's story but for the way he tells it. At no point does he demonstrate any self-awareness, other than an occasional perfunctory note that he treated women poorly. But these are buried in descriptions --- graphic descriptions --- of the enormous amount of sex David Cassidy was enjoying on the road. There is an embarrassing account of awkward intercourse with Susan Dey that led to a complete breakdown of their friendship after it was published. Cassidy seems surprised that she would have minded, which says more about him than anything else. Gentlemen do not kiss and tell, teenaged boys do. And that's the nub of what makes this autobiography sad and unsatisfying. It reads as though a teenager wrote it. Cassidy never really matured. There are reasons for it, certainly, but the perspective suffers and as a result, so does the book. I would like to read a good biography, or even an examination of the teen idol phenomenon. Anyone know of one?
Cassidy seems obsessed with 1970-1974 as the defining experience of his life, which in retrospect it must have been. He entered into it with no real preparation for what would happen when he agreed to star in the sitcom. Interestingly, there is a brief mention of Bobby Sherman, the other teen idol of the period. And by the time The Partridge Family picked up the slack, The Monkees had run its course. But it never seems to have occurred to Cassidy to look at Sherman, Jones or Dolenz as Butterick patterns for what he might expect.
He is also bitter about the lack of parenting he received from his father, Jack Cassidy. The elder Cassidy is presented as an unrelieved disaster. His death in 1975 left the issues between him and his eldest son completely unresolved. David skims over this for the rest of the book dealing with his post-Keith life, but it is clear the lack of a relationship with Jack was the greatest influence upon him. His marriage to Kay Lenz is doomed from the start, his second wife rates a paragraph and his third marriage, still strong at the time the book was written, inevitably ended in divorce. Cassidy is complimentary of her, but never conveys why the relationship worked. There is a sad afterword by his co-author that details what happened after the book was published: a spiral of drunk driving arrests, bankruptcies, professional disappointment and ultimate death from alcohol abuse.
The one-star is not for the sadness of Cassidy's story but for the way he tells it. At no point does he demonstrate any self-awareness, other than an occasional perfunctory note that he treated women poorly. But these are buried in descriptions --- graphic descriptions --- of the enormous amount of sex David Cassidy was enjoying on the road. There is an embarrassing account of awkward intercourse with Susan Dey that led to a complete breakdown of their friendship after it was published. Cassidy seems surprised that she would have minded, which says more about him than anything else. Gentlemen do not kiss and tell, teenaged boys do. And that's the nub of what makes this autobiography sad and unsatisfying. It reads as though a teenager wrote it. Cassidy never really matured. There are reasons for it, certainly, but the perspective suffers and as a result, so does the book. I would like to read a good biography, or even an examination of the teen idol phenomenon. Anyone know of one?
May 8, 2020
Sad and gross. Those are the words that first come to mind when reading about his life as a teen idol. Wow. No wonder, he became such an alcoholic. It's shameful how the business exes took advantage of his naivete. They just wanted to wring out from Cassidy as much money as possible before his shelf life expired.
This depressing memoir is like a manual for how to live your life wrong, making mistake after mistake. He blames his father for a lot of his issues and yeah, his dad was a piece of work, but at some point you have to try and move beyond it.
Cassidy never admits to his own faults. Oh sure, he makes some lip service comments about how maybe he didn't treat women so well while he was on tour but he lacks awareness of just how horrible it really was. That story of his roadies forcing a group of teen girls to wait naked in his hotel room - ugh, God knows what those men did to the girls prior to Cassidy showing up - and then sending them one at a time into David's bedroom.... wow. His main reaction? That it was turn off to see how freaked out and upset the young girls were! There are several disturbing, abusive stories like this. It was hard to read at times.
I checked out this book thinking it'd be a light-hearted celebrity memoir. Haha, what was I thinking? It was a total bummer. I can never look at my Partridge Family metal lunchbox the same way. Don't read this unless you are researching for an article about the mistreatment of women in the rock world.
This depressing memoir is like a manual for how to live your life wrong, making mistake after mistake. He blames his father for a lot of his issues and yeah, his dad was a piece of work, but at some point you have to try and move beyond it.
Cassidy never admits to his own faults. Oh sure, he makes some lip service comments about how maybe he didn't treat women so well while he was on tour but he lacks awareness of just how horrible it really was. That story of his roadies forcing a group of teen girls to wait naked in his hotel room - ugh, God knows what those men did to the girls prior to Cassidy showing up - and then sending them one at a time into David's bedroom.... wow. His main reaction? That it was turn off to see how freaked out and upset the young girls were! There are several disturbing, abusive stories like this. It was hard to read at times.
I checked out this book thinking it'd be a light-hearted celebrity memoir. Haha, what was I thinking? It was a total bummer. I can never look at my Partridge Family metal lunchbox the same way. Don't read this unless you are researching for an article about the mistreatment of women in the rock world.
May 17, 2020
I loved this book.
I was one of those pre teen girls who had David Cassidy as their first celebrity crush. This book had a lot of details I already knew but details I did not know. His outgoing and honest approach was wonderful, I could hear him.in my mind telling me his story. RIP David....
I was one of those pre teen girls who had David Cassidy as their first celebrity crush. This book had a lot of details I already knew but details I did not know. His outgoing and honest approach was wonderful, I could hear him.in my mind telling me his story. RIP David....
August 8, 2018
If only we could've paused things in 1994.
November 16, 2008
Cassidy has a potty-mouth and his attitudes toward life are not life-affirming, but he buys into a life of cynicism, materialism, and overall life without purpose or meaning.
April 2, 2025
This memoir by David Cassidy tells the real story behind his phenomenal ’70's stardom—and the sadness that shadowed it.
A shocking and sad story, showing so much the lack of having a life, being able to do anything, enjoy anything, a sad, sad story. All the fame in the world does not give you happiness.
In the end, making millions, no time to enjoy it, exhausted from working on show, then recording in the evening, live concerts all weekend, for a good three to four years. Where's your life?
A sad and unhappy life, bad relationship with his dad, well known actor Jack Cassidy.
In the end all the millions had disappeared, demand gone, now he has to start all over again.
Includes photos and a new afterword.
Barely out of his teens, David Cassidy landed a role on a new sitcom about a musical family that toured in a psychedelic bus. The critics blasted it—but TV viewers loved it! And the young female audience especially loved Keith Partridge. Not only did they tune in each week, they bought The Partridge Family’s hit single, “I Think I Love You,” in the millions, and plastered David’s image on their bedroom walls. Throughout the early seventies, David Cassidy was a phenomenon.
In this wry, witty memoir, he recounts not only those wild youthful years and Hollywood relationships—with, among others, stepmom Shirley Jones, costar Susan Dey, actress Meredith Baxter, and two guest stars who soon found greater fame on Charlie’s Angels—but also the darker parts of his life as well. David delves into his painful family history and his childhood in West Orange, New Jersey, and the groupies and drugs he indulged in as his success began to overwhelm him. He also shares his encounters with the icons of the era—Lennon and McCartney, Elvis, the Beach Boys, and more. Most of all, he takes us back to a time when the world seemed more innocent—at least until the camera stopped rolling.
Includes a new afterword about David’s final years by friend and coauthor Chip Deffaa, which closes the story with his death in 2017, mainly from heavy drinking, drugs, smoking. A sad later life.
A shocking and sad story, showing so much the lack of having a life, being able to do anything, enjoy anything, a sad, sad story. All the fame in the world does not give you happiness.
In the end, making millions, no time to enjoy it, exhausted from working on show, then recording in the evening, live concerts all weekend, for a good three to four years. Where's your life?
A sad and unhappy life, bad relationship with his dad, well known actor Jack Cassidy.
In the end all the millions had disappeared, demand gone, now he has to start all over again.
Includes photos and a new afterword.
Barely out of his teens, David Cassidy landed a role on a new sitcom about a musical family that toured in a psychedelic bus. The critics blasted it—but TV viewers loved it! And the young female audience especially loved Keith Partridge. Not only did they tune in each week, they bought The Partridge Family’s hit single, “I Think I Love You,” in the millions, and plastered David’s image on their bedroom walls. Throughout the early seventies, David Cassidy was a phenomenon.
In this wry, witty memoir, he recounts not only those wild youthful years and Hollywood relationships—with, among others, stepmom Shirley Jones, costar Susan Dey, actress Meredith Baxter, and two guest stars who soon found greater fame on Charlie’s Angels—but also the darker parts of his life as well. David delves into his painful family history and his childhood in West Orange, New Jersey, and the groupies and drugs he indulged in as his success began to overwhelm him. He also shares his encounters with the icons of the era—Lennon and McCartney, Elvis, the Beach Boys, and more. Most of all, he takes us back to a time when the world seemed more innocent—at least until the camera stopped rolling.
Includes a new afterword about David’s final years by friend and coauthor Chip Deffaa, which closes the story with his death in 2017, mainly from heavy drinking, drugs, smoking. A sad later life.
June 16, 2020
I’m being kind with a 3 Star. I would really like to give This book a 2-but I just can’t. I refrain out of respect to David Cassidy and his place in history as a very hard working and much loved teen idol. As well as for my childhood admiration for him. I enjoyed hearing about David’s remarkable professional life. But, this book is rated X and nothing more than bragging and boasting about his ‘manhood’ and the magnificent physical gift of his male anatomy. The undertone of his entire story is encompassed with his feelings of insufficiency that were based on his non-relationship with his father. The hidden-tone was the inserted caveat of homosexuality.
I must say that the two teen idols from my preteen years are or were on two entirely different moralistic planes. It is no surprise that Donny has not only maintained his stardom but his career continues to flourish. His values as a gentleman and his immense talent continue to both set an example and entertain his audiences and over several generations.
As for Cassidy, I would like to forget this book of meaningless sex and bad decisions and remember his wonderful accomplishments, his amazing talent and his Dedication in becoming the teen dream for millions. He was perfection as Keith Partridge.
I must say that the two teen idols from my preteen years are or were on two entirely different moralistic planes. It is no surprise that Donny has not only maintained his stardom but his career continues to flourish. His values as a gentleman and his immense talent continue to both set an example and entertain his audiences and over several generations.
As for Cassidy, I would like to forget this book of meaningless sex and bad decisions and remember his wonderful accomplishments, his amazing talent and his Dedication in becoming the teen dream for millions. He was perfection as Keith Partridge.
January 4, 2023
The pain behind the megawatt smiles.
This book caused a stir when it appeared in 1994 and NOT because it's the typical "who I slept with" show biz tell-all. There's plenty in here about Cassidy's sex life, but his partners weren't women with recognizable names. And a rock star sleeping with groupies is hardly front-page news, is it?
I found it interesting, even though I never watched "The Partridge Family" and was only vaguely aware of David Cassidy's music career. It's better written than many celebrity "autobiographies." Cassidy was smart and he picked a real writer, not a ghost writing hack. From the "epilogue" written by Chip Deffa after Cassidy's death in 2017, it's obvious that this was not a book written quickly from a few interviews. The two men spent time together and liked and respected each other. I suspect Deffaa was as surprised as I was to learn that Cassidy wasn't the empty-headed, spoiled celebrity's kid he seemed to be. He had problems, but he'd earned his scars through a troubled childhood.
He was the child of actress Evelyn Ward and actor Jack Cassidy. Jack abandoned his first wife early on and and David started life in New Jersey, living with his mother's parents. Even after Evelyn moved to L.A., Jack showed little interest in his oldest son. By that time, he was married to Shirley Jones and had three sons with her. Sadly, he wasn't a good father to them, either.
Both of Jack Cassidy's wives remain mysteries in this book. David says little about his mother, other than that she pretty much let him do what he wanted to. As a teen, he was heavily into the 1960's sex, drugs, and rock scene in California. His mother never interfered. Did she trust her son or was she simply more involved in her own life and marriages?
Shirley Jones' decision to marry the manic, charming Jack Cassidy and have a family with him is odd, too. She had an opportunity to see how he treated his oldest son and clearly didn't think he was a good father. She said that he ignored David except to discipline him. Did she think he would be different with her children? Like many families (in Hollywood and elsewhere) the smiling pictures looked far better than the reality.
Some things I took from this book.... Bad parenting leaves emotional scars that stardom and money don't make disappear. Cassidy emerged from his childhood hurt by his father's neglect and anger and especially by Jack's violent jealousy of his son's fame. When this book was written, he was 43 years old and still struggling with his ambivalent feelings about Jack Cassidy. Danny Bonaduce was also the son of any angry, abusive father. The book hints that Susan Dey had family problems and was drawn to older men to replace the loving father she wanted and didn't have. Money solves some problems, but it doesn't fill the hole in your soul left by the lack of love in childhood.
The old term "stage-struck" may no longer be in use, but it's wonderfully descriptive of people obsessed with performing. That obsession drives their professional and personal lives and skews their decision-making, even in regards to their children. Cassidy claims that he didn't want to "star" in a silly television show aimed at kids. He was building a career as a serious actor and becoming respected for his appearances in dramatic roles.
His father, mother, step-mother, and Ruth Aarons (the manager who was closer to him than any of them) urged him to sign. Why? Because the idea of passing up a starring role was unthinkable to them. Actors work, scheme, and sacrifice to get "big" roles. Although all of the people in his life TALKED about the importance of learning the trade and becoming a serious actor, the chance of stardom was what really mattered to them. In the end, it mattered more to them than David's happiness.
Anywhere people are making big money, vultures are trying to take that money away from them. Professional athletes and entertainers are particularly vulnerable. Perhaps they absorb the adulation of their admirers and come to believe that EVERYONE loves and wants the best for them. The money seems endless and the work is endless, too. If you think being an actor or musician is an easy way to make a living, you won't think so by the end of this book. Like many others, Cassidy worked incredibly hard at building his career and ended up with nothing.
Even if he exaggerated the crimes of the people who took advantage of him, even if he downplayed his own irresponsibility, the guy was screwed. Those who should have looked after him , either robbed him or looked the other way.
Cassidy's stories of the giant hoax that was "The Partridge Family" are shocking and sad and hilarious. His tales of his years as a "teen idol" are amazing. I had no idea of his huge popularity or of the insanity that followed his appearances everywhere. Most surprising of all is his intelligence and his shrewd insight into the minds of his fellow entertainers. He talks about "the insecurities and self-absorption" that seem to go with being an entertainer and how they affected his relationships and his career.
Happily, his third marriage lasted twenty years and produced a son. He was able to be the caring, hands-on father he didn't have himself. After Jack Cassidy's death in 1976, David became close to his three half-brothers. The four of them remained close, personally and professionally, for the rest of his life. His fan's never deserted him and he became a respected musician.
He never completely conquered the demons of his childhood. As a grown man, he stayed away from drugs, but he was a third generation alcoholic and his DUI's were front-page news. Jack Cassidy died drunk in a house fire after telling everyone that he'd given up alcohol. Forty-one years later, David Cassidy died of liver failure. He had told everyone that he'd given up alcohol.
I'm glad I read this book. It's entertaining and tragic. Cassidy was born with so many advantages and yet the deck was stacked against him.
This book caused a stir when it appeared in 1994 and NOT because it's the typical "who I slept with" show biz tell-all. There's plenty in here about Cassidy's sex life, but his partners weren't women with recognizable names. And a rock star sleeping with groupies is hardly front-page news, is it?
I found it interesting, even though I never watched "The Partridge Family" and was only vaguely aware of David Cassidy's music career. It's better written than many celebrity "autobiographies." Cassidy was smart and he picked a real writer, not a ghost writing hack. From the "epilogue" written by Chip Deffa after Cassidy's death in 2017, it's obvious that this was not a book written quickly from a few interviews. The two men spent time together and liked and respected each other. I suspect Deffaa was as surprised as I was to learn that Cassidy wasn't the empty-headed, spoiled celebrity's kid he seemed to be. He had problems, but he'd earned his scars through a troubled childhood.
He was the child of actress Evelyn Ward and actor Jack Cassidy. Jack abandoned his first wife early on and and David started life in New Jersey, living with his mother's parents. Even after Evelyn moved to L.A., Jack showed little interest in his oldest son. By that time, he was married to Shirley Jones and had three sons with her. Sadly, he wasn't a good father to them, either.
Both of Jack Cassidy's wives remain mysteries in this book. David says little about his mother, other than that she pretty much let him do what he wanted to. As a teen, he was heavily into the 1960's sex, drugs, and rock scene in California. His mother never interfered. Did she trust her son or was she simply more involved in her own life and marriages?
Shirley Jones' decision to marry the manic, charming Jack Cassidy and have a family with him is odd, too. She had an opportunity to see how he treated his oldest son and clearly didn't think he was a good father. She said that he ignored David except to discipline him. Did she think he would be different with her children? Like many families (in Hollywood and elsewhere) the smiling pictures looked far better than the reality.
Some things I took from this book.... Bad parenting leaves emotional scars that stardom and money don't make disappear. Cassidy emerged from his childhood hurt by his father's neglect and anger and especially by Jack's violent jealousy of his son's fame. When this book was written, he was 43 years old and still struggling with his ambivalent feelings about Jack Cassidy. Danny Bonaduce was also the son of any angry, abusive father. The book hints that Susan Dey had family problems and was drawn to older men to replace the loving father she wanted and didn't have. Money solves some problems, but it doesn't fill the hole in your soul left by the lack of love in childhood.
The old term "stage-struck" may no longer be in use, but it's wonderfully descriptive of people obsessed with performing. That obsession drives their professional and personal lives and skews their decision-making, even in regards to their children. Cassidy claims that he didn't want to "star" in a silly television show aimed at kids. He was building a career as a serious actor and becoming respected for his appearances in dramatic roles.
His father, mother, step-mother, and Ruth Aarons (the manager who was closer to him than any of them) urged him to sign. Why? Because the idea of passing up a starring role was unthinkable to them. Actors work, scheme, and sacrifice to get "big" roles. Although all of the people in his life TALKED about the importance of learning the trade and becoming a serious actor, the chance of stardom was what really mattered to them. In the end, it mattered more to them than David's happiness.
Anywhere people are making big money, vultures are trying to take that money away from them. Professional athletes and entertainers are particularly vulnerable. Perhaps they absorb the adulation of their admirers and come to believe that EVERYONE loves and wants the best for them. The money seems endless and the work is endless, too. If you think being an actor or musician is an easy way to make a living, you won't think so by the end of this book. Like many others, Cassidy worked incredibly hard at building his career and ended up with nothing.
Even if he exaggerated the crimes of the people who took advantage of him, even if he downplayed his own irresponsibility, the guy was screwed. Those who should have looked after him , either robbed him or looked the other way.
Cassidy's stories of the giant hoax that was "The Partridge Family" are shocking and sad and hilarious. His tales of his years as a "teen idol" are amazing. I had no idea of his huge popularity or of the insanity that followed his appearances everywhere. Most surprising of all is his intelligence and his shrewd insight into the minds of his fellow entertainers. He talks about "the insecurities and self-absorption" that seem to go with being an entertainer and how they affected his relationships and his career.
Happily, his third marriage lasted twenty years and produced a son. He was able to be the caring, hands-on father he didn't have himself. After Jack Cassidy's death in 1976, David became close to his three half-brothers. The four of them remained close, personally and professionally, for the rest of his life. His fan's never deserted him and he became a respected musician.
He never completely conquered the demons of his childhood. As a grown man, he stayed away from drugs, but he was a third generation alcoholic and his DUI's were front-page news. Jack Cassidy died drunk in a house fire after telling everyone that he'd given up alcohol. Forty-one years later, David Cassidy died of liver failure. He had told everyone that he'd given up alcohol.
I'm glad I read this book. It's entertaining and tragic. Cassidy was born with so many advantages and yet the deck was stacked against him.
December 30, 2022
Having grown up I can accept that David Cassidy’s teen idol career was not an accurate reflection of the person he really was. This is the first of his memoirs so I’m glad he got to a point where he could accept his teenybopper success and more particularly The Partridge Family. I was a huge fan of that show and a Partridge Family album was the first LP I ever owned. Still think the music is brilliant! I’ll definitely be looking for his second memoir where he moves into adulthood, parenthood and middle age.
March 27, 2025
If you were even a little impressed by the strange phenomenon of this show and it's singers, do not read this book. Just keep listening to the music and keep going. You don't want to know.
January 27, 2021
I must have bought this a while back because, when I found it, I was surprised I had it. I always wanted to know what happened to this guy after all the fame and fortune.
I can sum it up in two words. Nothing good. And 75% of the book wasn't even the aftermath. It was about how bad it was to be him. Really?????
OK, here's my review:
Boring. Monotonous. Self-serving. Read like it was written by a middle-school student. Boring. Monotonous. So much so that, despite its simplicity and short length, it took me over two months to read it. Even though I skimmed a lot.
Very little of it was about the Partridge Family, or anything else. It was his feelings about his life. Not many facts. I'm pretty sure he wasn't paying attention to what was going on around him at all.
The afterword at the back by the co-author was more informative than the whole rest of the book. And the co-author obviously had very little to do with the writing itself because his writing was good.
Did I say boring, monotonous?
Too bad really. I can feel sorry for all of us because he wasted his life and obvious talent. None of us got the benefit of it. But I can't feel sorry for him, even though the whole book was basically "poor little me." What a wasted life, truly.
This review is not for the wasted life, though. The book truly was awful.
I can sum it up in two words. Nothing good. And 75% of the book wasn't even the aftermath. It was about how bad it was to be him. Really?????
OK, here's my review:
Boring. Monotonous. Self-serving. Read like it was written by a middle-school student. Boring. Monotonous. So much so that, despite its simplicity and short length, it took me over two months to read it. Even though I skimmed a lot.
Very little of it was about the Partridge Family, or anything else. It was his feelings about his life. Not many facts. I'm pretty sure he wasn't paying attention to what was going on around him at all.
The afterword at the back by the co-author was more informative than the whole rest of the book. And the co-author obviously had very little to do with the writing itself because his writing was good.
Did I say boring, monotonous?
Too bad really. I can feel sorry for all of us because he wasted his life and obvious talent. None of us got the benefit of it. But I can't feel sorry for him, even though the whole book was basically "poor little me." What a wasted life, truly.
This review is not for the wasted life, though. The book truly was awful.
May 6, 2020
What a sad story. David Cassidy was a superstar back in the early 1970's. He had fame, fortune and all the women he wanted. And yet, he didn't have anything good to say about his life during that time. So he retired after 4 years. Wasn't happy then, either. He turned to alcohol and drugs. At the end of the book, around 1994, it seems like he might have been turning his life around. But an epilogue written by his co-author in 2019 tells that he continued to struggle until his death in 2017. The low rating is because this book was basically David bragging about the records he set, how hard he worked and how loved he was, combined with rants about how he wasn't appreciated for who he was and how the business treated him unfairly. There was also a lot of bragging about his sex life, but that only made him seem pathetic and cruel. If you were a David Cassidy fan, and want to stay one, you might not want to read this book.
March 2, 2020
It's difficult to read that the person you admired as a child was a self-centered, ungrateful, bitter man. He made a comment toward the end that he didn't have a lot of friends... I'm not surprised.
April 26, 2020
I haven’t read an autobiography for awhile. This was a good change from my real murder and historical fictions that I normally read. David Cassidy was almost the same age as I was, so I remember him, his show, his concerts, his records, and went to see his last Las Vegas show. The Vegas show was very memorable bc my husband and I were in front row seats and he came right past our table - a thrill for me! I also grew up with watching his father and step mother during that time. The book was a great reminder of all memories during that time. I really enjoyed learning about their lives. Finding out about his sex life, all the drugs and alcohol problems that he had, I was surprised that he lasted as long as he did. It always upsets me when a famous person makes bad choices and pays for it later. The Hollywood life is not kind to many people who get caught up with bad habits. He was a special person who had a tough, but lucky career and family life. His self esteem was low, but I hope he realized that he made a lot of fans happy by performing and writing this true to life book. He is definitely missed by this fan! I recommend this book to bring back memories. The writing is like reading a diary - not terrific, but very real.
July 8, 2020
1970s icon pens a compelling autobiography
I always liked David Cassidy. This is a very enjoyable, candid autobiography. David was a sweet, sensitive soul. While he may have achieved fame on The Partridge Family, it does not sound like he had much emotional support or guidance. This book is a fast, interesting read.
I always liked David Cassidy. This is a very enjoyable, candid autobiography. David was a sweet, sensitive soul. While he may have achieved fame on The Partridge Family, it does not sound like he had much emotional support or guidance. This book is a fast, interesting read.
May 22, 2021
I read this book purely out of curiosity since 11 year old me had a big crush on David Cassidy. I knew it wouldn't be a deep and/or meaningful read, also part of why I decided to read it (needed a light read) but it was even less than expected. Besides being a poorly written book, the reality of what a messed up guy he was - sleazy in many ways - was disturbing to learn. Some mysteries - like why I was so taken by him - should just be left as such, a childhood fantasy. In some ways, it's a sad story but most of his issues were of his own choosing.
April 8, 2020
Surprisingly good!
I was pleasantly surprised this was so entertaining! I was of the age that I was raised watching all the Partridge family shows. So I could relate to the story. Show business is tough, and he made the decisions he did. I really enjoyed the tale.
I was pleasantly surprised this was so entertaining! I was of the age that I was raised watching all the Partridge family shows. So I could relate to the story. Show business is tough, and he made the decisions he did. I really enjoyed the tale.
July 3, 2020
** Spoilers **
This book moved me in ways I never expected. I was in high school when The Partridge Family show was on TV so I definitely remember David Cassidy, knew the songs, etc. I was never wrapped up in being a fan, I think I was just a little beyond the age for that, but I knew about him, knew girls that had his picture on their bedroom wall, etc. And even back then I understood how Screen Gems had made teen idols out of the Monkees and the Partridge Family was no different. I knew how the promotional for the TV show made songs into hits, knew they created the hit song "Sugar Sugar" for a cartoon show, etc. So yeah, even back then I knew the teen idol David Cassidy was a fabricated character. But I never knew Cassidy's story until reading this biography. And it's a moving story, it really is. Cassidy had an incredible life of highs and lows. I picked it up to read it just to go down nostalgia lane about the early 70's, but I got so much more than that by reading this book. David Cassidy really was nothing like the character that Screen Gems created and he paid such a high price for his fame. One could argue that he was just a kid, still learning about himself when fame was thrust upon him. So many child stars have tragic tales and this was no different. One could also argue that the experience Cassidy had being a teen idol that was created by a television show messed him up big time. Cassidy rode the wave of his fame because it was all he could do, and even in the peak he was miserable, lonely, unable to have a meaningful relationship, only had a few friends he could trust, etc. At the time that this book was written, Cassidy hinted that he did finally find happiness, did have a happy marriage, loved his three year old son, even said that he did not drink except for an occasional glass of wine. Honestly, I wanted a happy ending for him. I felt that after all he went through he deserved to find happiness in some way.
But In the back of the book it is described how Cassidy died divorced and an alcoholic. I read that and I just stared at my Kindle screen for a while. I didn't see that coming. Yeah, Cassidy wasn't a perfect person. No one is. He did drugs, he used women, he may have been insensitive at times, but he was so young and I knew a lot of guys during the early 70's with a similar mindset. I wish Cassidy's family well and I thank Cassidy for sharing his story.
This book moved me in ways I never expected. I was in high school when The Partridge Family show was on TV so I definitely remember David Cassidy, knew the songs, etc. I was never wrapped up in being a fan, I think I was just a little beyond the age for that, but I knew about him, knew girls that had his picture on their bedroom wall, etc. And even back then I understood how Screen Gems had made teen idols out of the Monkees and the Partridge Family was no different. I knew how the promotional for the TV show made songs into hits, knew they created the hit song "Sugar Sugar" for a cartoon show, etc. So yeah, even back then I knew the teen idol David Cassidy was a fabricated character. But I never knew Cassidy's story until reading this biography. And it's a moving story, it really is. Cassidy had an incredible life of highs and lows. I picked it up to read it just to go down nostalgia lane about the early 70's, but I got so much more than that by reading this book. David Cassidy really was nothing like the character that Screen Gems created and he paid such a high price for his fame. One could argue that he was just a kid, still learning about himself when fame was thrust upon him. So many child stars have tragic tales and this was no different. One could also argue that the experience Cassidy had being a teen idol that was created by a television show messed him up big time. Cassidy rode the wave of his fame because it was all he could do, and even in the peak he was miserable, lonely, unable to have a meaningful relationship, only had a few friends he could trust, etc. At the time that this book was written, Cassidy hinted that he did finally find happiness, did have a happy marriage, loved his three year old son, even said that he did not drink except for an occasional glass of wine. Honestly, I wanted a happy ending for him. I felt that after all he went through he deserved to find happiness in some way.
But In the back of the book it is described how Cassidy died divorced and an alcoholic. I read that and I just stared at my Kindle screen for a while. I didn't see that coming. Yeah, Cassidy wasn't a perfect person. No one is. He did drugs, he used women, he may have been insensitive at times, but he was so young and I knew a lot of guys during the early 70's with a similar mindset. I wish Cassidy's family well and I thank Cassidy for sharing his story.
June 26, 2021
David Cassidy had a lot to be bitter about during the years when he was the number one teen idol in the world. He was a teenager being exploited by experienced adults, and the well-meaning adults who were on his side didn’t have the experience to fully see what was happening or protect him from it. He spent some of the most formative years of his life in an exhausting whirlwind. When the whirlwind finally passed, he didn’t have the mental or emotional maturity to cope with the experience or the life that followed. Having Jack Cassidy as a father meant all this was layered over a childhood full of rejection, and then an adolescence and young adulthood poisoned by Jack’s envy.
Cassidy strives to keep an upbeat tone while being bluntly honest about the dark side of his experiences, but his lack of actual depth or introspection is painful and disappointing. The book ends optimistically, describing his then-current Broadway run in “Blood Brothers” (with brother Shaun), his happy marriage, hard but successful experience in therapy, and his ongoing friendship with and support of fellow Partridge alum Danny Bonaduce.
As another reviewer wrote: If only it had ended there.
This edition of the book has an afterword written by Cassidy’s writing collaborator, describing the tragic years that followed: a return to drinking, the failure of his marriage, his DUI arrests and rehab, and too-young death.
As I read, I kept remembering the poignant last line of Carrie Fisher’s memoir "The Princess Diarist”: “What if I had been allowed to be only Carrie?”
What if David Cassidy had trusted his gut and never gotten on the Partridge Family bus? Would he have ended up as the dramatic actor and blues-rock singer he wanted to be? Would he have been able to truly “get happy”?
Cassidy strives to keep an upbeat tone while being bluntly honest about the dark side of his experiences, but his lack of actual depth or introspection is painful and disappointing. The book ends optimistically, describing his then-current Broadway run in “Blood Brothers” (with brother Shaun), his happy marriage, hard but successful experience in therapy, and his ongoing friendship with and support of fellow Partridge alum Danny Bonaduce.
As another reviewer wrote: If only it had ended there.
This edition of the book has an afterword written by Cassidy’s writing collaborator, describing the tragic years that followed: a return to drinking, the failure of his marriage, his DUI arrests and rehab, and too-young death.
As I read, I kept remembering the poignant last line of Carrie Fisher’s memoir "The Princess Diarist”: “What if I had been allowed to be only Carrie?”
What if David Cassidy had trusted his gut and never gotten on the Partridge Family bus? Would he have ended up as the dramatic actor and blues-rock singer he wanted to be? Would he have been able to truly “get happy”?
December 31, 2020
Pretty disappointing read to be honest. David Cassidy writes as if he has never grown up - he still seemed to get a thrill out of telling us how his brothers called him Donk on account of the size of his anatomy, how many groupies he had sex with and how much he loves "tits". I'm sure we will all see how caring an individual he was that the women and groupies he had all this sex with only gave him blow jobs because he felt that actual intercourse was for more serious relationships/women he at least knew the last name of. How sweet...... hmm.
We learn how he hated his father who was jealous of him, how everyone but him made serious money from his image. How he hated everything he had to do when performing as Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family, how he never really shook his image to be who he really was. Who he really was seemed to be actually an alcoholic as it turned out.
It is obvious he found himself in something of a bind that he couldn't get out of by signing away himself basically, but all the while he is whining about how bad everything was, he also sounds like he is bragging at the same time.
And he wonders why co-star Susan Dey stopped speaking to him after he revealed that she had had a huge crush on him for ages (which he was apparently oblivious to until it was pointed out by stepmum Shirley Jones) and so he felt he needed to take her to bed for some clumsy and unsatisfying sex because he felt that was what she wanted, despite thinking of her as his sister. I'm sure she was thrilled that this part of her private life was told to the world.
We learn how he hated his father who was jealous of him, how everyone but him made serious money from his image. How he hated everything he had to do when performing as Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family, how he never really shook his image to be who he really was. Who he really was seemed to be actually an alcoholic as it turned out.
It is obvious he found himself in something of a bind that he couldn't get out of by signing away himself basically, but all the while he is whining about how bad everything was, he also sounds like he is bragging at the same time.
And he wonders why co-star Susan Dey stopped speaking to him after he revealed that she had had a huge crush on him for ages (which he was apparently oblivious to until it was pointed out by stepmum Shirley Jones) and so he felt he needed to take her to bed for some clumsy and unsatisfying sex because he felt that was what she wanted, despite thinking of her as his sister. I'm sure she was thrilled that this part of her private life was told to the world.
May 19, 2012
One of my favorite actors and singers back in the day. Avid Partridge Family fan and yes I have some records!!!
An enjoyable biography. David Cassidy experienced some bitterness about being a teen idol in the 70's and later went through some dark times. With age, maturity and therapy, hecame to realize that he needed to be in charge of his destiny and career.
Having read a few books written by female groupies, I thought David's take on the girls that threw themselves at him after concerts and shows was interesting. His philosophy was interesting about sexual intercourse vs. blow jobs and where they fell on the sex with fan scale.
In some ways he was a pioneer with the teen market and his backers seemed to know his window was 2 years for them to ca$h in. Good insite of life in the 60-70's - sex, drugs and music being a teen's priority.
An enjoyable biography. David Cassidy experienced some bitterness about being a teen idol in the 70's and later went through some dark times. With age, maturity and therapy, hecame to realize that he needed to be in charge of his destiny and career.
Having read a few books written by female groupies, I thought David's take on the girls that threw themselves at him after concerts and shows was interesting. His philosophy was interesting about sexual intercourse vs. blow jobs and where they fell on the sex with fan scale.
In some ways he was a pioneer with the teen market and his backers seemed to know his window was 2 years for them to ca$h in. Good insite of life in the 60-70's - sex, drugs and music being a teen's priority.
March 9, 2020
If you've ever had any doubts that becoming rich and famous at a young age is about the worst thing that can happen to a person, this book will set them to rest. What's most bizarre (and fascinating) about David Cassidy's life is how, over time, he transformed himself almost completely into his father. Jack Cassidy was a charming liar, chronic philanderer, neglectful parent, heavy smoker, self-destructive alcoholic and a poor manager of his money. Son David duplicated all these traits perfectly and without, apparently, any sense of irony. I can't say I finished the book with a lot of sympathy for Cassidy - too much of what befell him was his own fault - but I did come away with a greater understanding of the man and his era.
December 14, 2020
As a lifelong fan of David Cassidy -- I'm 55 and DC was the first musician I ever saw in concert when I just a little kid! -- I was not shocked by any of the revelations in this book. The truth is, David was a flawed human being, like all of us. He wasn't the squeaky clean Keith Partridge everyone wanted him to be, but expecting him to be that way is unrealistic. He was talented and got sucked into the Hollywood machine at a young age. Unfortunately, his alcohol addiction and depression was his undoing, as happens to countless other humans on this planet. I enjoyed the raw honesty in this book and found it interesting to read about his complicated relationship with his father, Jack Cassidy. Even at my age, I will cherish the years David Cassidy was my teen idol. Thank you, DC, for everything you gave to your fans. May you rest in peace.
July 6, 2020
Repetitive, dull, and unlikeable
I was one of those girls who had photos of David Cassidy from Tiger Beat magazine pinned up on my wall in 1971. I was curious to find out what happened to him after his teen idol days.
This memoir answers that question, but does so in a dull and repetitive manner. Really, how many times do you need to read the same things over and over?
What I really learned from the book is that David Cassidy was shallow, not very bright, and a total jerk to women. By the end of the book I disliked him enough that I didn’t care how his life turned out.
I was one of those girls who had photos of David Cassidy from Tiger Beat magazine pinned up on my wall in 1971. I was curious to find out what happened to him after his teen idol days.
This memoir answers that question, but does so in a dull and repetitive manner. Really, how many times do you need to read the same things over and over?
What I really learned from the book is that David Cassidy was shallow, not very bright, and a total jerk to women. By the end of the book I disliked him enough that I didn’t care how his life turned out.
July 2, 2011
Interesting to hear about some "behind-the-scenes" of the Partridge Family, and David's relationship with his dad, Jack Cassidy. However, David sure spent a lot of time describing his burgeoning adolescent sex drive.
July 27, 2012
Love David Cassidy.Was an interesting read
January 16, 2013
Still like this guy.
Read
August 21, 2013As a fan I had to read it. Love him, love the book.
January 19, 2016
WOW! What a interesting brag book.
November 22, 2018
"David Cassidy was so cool
That I read his autobiography
It’s called C'mon, Get Happy
And I recommend it highly
It’s a bout the troubles he had
Being a young TV star
Being controlled by the networks
And being taken advantage of
Being exploited and being ripped off
By those who overworked him
Coming home from tours broke
And cancelling tours due to over exhaustion
And of his battles with depression
I will not reveal how he said that he overcame
And I leave that to you
As the book is a must read
Buy that book tomorrow
It’s one of my favorite autobiographies"
- Sun Kil Moon "David Cassidy"
Fame is chased and cherished. To be seen on youtube, instagram and social media everywhere, takes
a certain investment. Then there are the people who just land in it. Teen Idol David Cassidy when asked by New York Times on why he became a teen idol delivered an interesting response. Echoing the same uncertainty in his celebrity he stated the following. "Who can say why one person is singled out? Maybe because of the way I talk or look. Possibly because i'm uncomplicated, clean. There's no threat involved" (p.146).
Cassidy's autobiography is entrenched in the years from 1970 to 1976. A teen idol enticed with ultimate freedom, unlimited sexual opportunities, easy access to drugs and an unwavering work ethic. It's a biography that captures his voice, his insecurities about his artistic achievements. It's honest..funny..light-hearted, and Cassidy lands on some difficult subjects about authenticity, family and personal freedom.
My biggest issue with the book isn't that it's unenjoyable..but it's so light when it comes to the really interesting things. Issues with his father are relegated to a small portions at the end and beginning of the book. The casual nature of the reading style makes it easy to dive into..but the deep tangle of emotions and situations are largely left out. Also, how he dealt with depression is a really inspiring. It's an inspiring epiphany worked out over years of therapy. However, because the book is so focused on the years 1970 through 1975 it feels like there are pieces of the map missing.
"C'Mon, Get Happy" attempts to rebuke the idea that David Cassidy lacks substance and his true self is the plastic character actor he is known as. It isn't that Cassidy doesn't have depth..but his expression seems as blithe and carefree as his social self. It's a casual conversation with an interesting pop idol. Cassidy possibly has more to say, or deeper insights...but really it's just not on the page.
That I read his autobiography
It’s called C'mon, Get Happy
And I recommend it highly
It’s a bout the troubles he had
Being a young TV star
Being controlled by the networks
And being taken advantage of
Being exploited and being ripped off
By those who overworked him
Coming home from tours broke
And cancelling tours due to over exhaustion
And of his battles with depression
I will not reveal how he said that he overcame
And I leave that to you
As the book is a must read
Buy that book tomorrow
It’s one of my favorite autobiographies"
- Sun Kil Moon "David Cassidy"
Fame is chased and cherished. To be seen on youtube, instagram and social media everywhere, takes
a certain investment. Then there are the people who just land in it. Teen Idol David Cassidy when asked by New York Times on why he became a teen idol delivered an interesting response. Echoing the same uncertainty in his celebrity he stated the following. "Who can say why one person is singled out? Maybe because of the way I talk or look. Possibly because i'm uncomplicated, clean. There's no threat involved" (p.146).
Cassidy's autobiography is entrenched in the years from 1970 to 1976. A teen idol enticed with ultimate freedom, unlimited sexual opportunities, easy access to drugs and an unwavering work ethic. It's a biography that captures his voice, his insecurities about his artistic achievements. It's honest..funny..light-hearted, and Cassidy lands on some difficult subjects about authenticity, family and personal freedom.
My biggest issue with the book isn't that it's unenjoyable..but it's so light when it comes to the really interesting things. Issues with his father are relegated to a small portions at the end and beginning of the book. The casual nature of the reading style makes it easy to dive into..but the deep tangle of emotions and situations are largely left out. Also, how he dealt with depression is a really inspiring. It's an inspiring epiphany worked out over years of therapy. However, because the book is so focused on the years 1970 through 1975 it feels like there are pieces of the map missing.
"C'Mon, Get Happy" attempts to rebuke the idea that David Cassidy lacks substance and his true self is the plastic character actor he is known as. It isn't that Cassidy doesn't have depth..but his expression seems as blithe and carefree as his social self. It's a casual conversation with an interesting pop idol. Cassidy possibly has more to say, or deeper insights...but really it's just not on the page.
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