THE CALIFORNIA MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

APRIL 12, 2024

The small town of Temecula, CA, which is nestled between San Diego and Oceanside, hosts an annual celebration to recognize and induct artists, primarily from the music scene in California, into their very own Music Hall Of Fame. The ceremony on April 14, 2024, was dedicated to celebrating the achievements of David Cassidy. However, the introduction by a speaker who lacked personal knowledge of Cassidy and resorted to reading a negative article from TMZ on her phone, marred the event. Ron Dante of The Archies stepped in to accept the award on behalf of Cassidy. Still, before doing so, some of Cassidy’s fans, including his lifelong friend, Sam Hyman, left the ceremony disappointed. Dante, a close friend of Cassidy’s, delivered a heartfelt tribute, salvaging some of the evening from its rocky start. Despite the setbacks, Cassidy fans celebrated the night away at an after-party to show their love for their teen idol.

David Cassidy played a huge part in shaping pop culture in the early 70’s. Who among us girls didn’t have David Cassidy adorning their walls and would give him a goodnight kiss before jumping into bed at night? Rising to fame not just as a musician but also through his role in the beloved television series The Partridge Family, which aired from 1970 to 1974, he left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide. His chart-topping debut single, “I Think I Love You”, was not just a hit but a cultural phenomenon that propelled him to stardom. His musical journey catapulted him to gracing stages worldwide with jam-packed, record-breaking, sold-out concerts, an astonishing 30 million records sold, and a fan base that rivaled Elvis and The Beatles, solidifying his status as a music sensation. As a result, his fan base was not just a group of admirers but a community that shared a deep emotional connection with the artist. His enduring legacy continues to resonate with fans, old and new.

Sam Hyman, Cassidy’s lifelong confidant and partner in crime, knew Cassidy would be honoured by the overwhelming presence of his adoring fans who had traveled from as far as the UK and Canada to celebrate his friend. His timeless appeal and the profound emotional impact of his music, which still brings tears of joy and nostalgia to many, are proof that he deserves to be honoured. The fans’ recognition, a testament to the impact of his music, filled Hyman with a sense of pride and validation for his friend’s extraordinary career.

The music and television industry may have initially dismissed Cassidy as merely a pretty face, but little did they know that he harboured a talent that would endure throughout the years. A true star, this exceptional artist charmed audiences worldwide with his music. His career also shone on the big screen, TV, and Broadway stages, dazzling fans with his performances, from packed houses in Las Vegas to hit tours. His album David Cassidy brought him renewed fame in the 90s with hits like “Lying To Myself”. He also wrote and produced shows like Ask Harriot in 1998. In 2009, he teamed up with his three brothers, Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan, to help write, produce, and act in the show Ruby And The Rockits.

Hyman fondly recalls how the singer dedicated himself to honing his craft. Despite the industry’s early skepticism, Cassidy wrote, produced, and performed many songs and albums throughout his 50-year career. His last released album, Songs My Father Taught Me, brought him full circle and was a masterpiece that brought him well-deserved recognition and success.

Hyman believes that if Cassidy were here today, he would undoubtedly attribute his achievements to his fans’ unwavering love and support, who sustained the singer’s career for over four decades. In a heartwarming anecdote, he recounts a special moment when Cassidy enthusiasts gathered at Hyman’s restaurant, Rim Talay, in Oceanside, CA, to listen to Cassidy’s songs and sing them with all their hearts. The joy and remembrance in the air were not just emotions but a testament to the power of his music to bring people together and create lasting memories. It was as if he were there, smiling down at his adoring fans, his music living on in their voices. As a tribute to the legendary David Cassidy, he implores all fans to honour his memory by singing and dancing with abandon to his timeless music.

The ceremony went on to celebrate the achievements and influence of remarkable artists who have significantly impacted the music world in California and beyond. To spice things up, a group of music icons and partners lit up the stage with their incredible performances throughout the evening. The crowd was absolutely thrilled, getting into the groove with The Cowsills’ funky 1968 classic “Hair” and enthusiastically singing along to a medley of their hit tunes. Tiffany made a surprise entrance into the audience, serenading everyone with “I Think We’re Alone Now”, while Soul Pointe and various other performers charmed the audience.

The induction ceremony brought together a constellation of renowned personalities from the entertainment world in a dazzling showcase of talent and wistfulness. The stage was graced by Frank Stallone, brother to Sly, whose soulful rendition of “I’m Never Going To Give You Up” resonated with the audience, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Among the luminaries present was Bob Eubanks, a multifaceted American disc jockey and nine-time Emmy winner, celebrated for his iconic role in The Newlywed Game. His star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to his enduring legacy in the industry. The event also paid tribute to The Malibooz, featuring the legendary Walter Egan of “Magnet And Steel” fame, captivating the crowd with their timeless melodies.

The atmosphere was electric as rock legends like The Shadows Of Knight and the beloved Casey Kasem were honoured for their contributions to music history. In a touching moment, Kerri Kasem, daughter of the late Casey, shared a poignant recording of her father, evoking heartfelt emotions from all in attendance.

Adding to the spectacle, Vern Shank and The Cherry Drops Band took the stage, delivering soul-stirring performances of “Out Of Sight” and “Sorry”, accompanied by the mesmerizing moves of groovy Go-go girls. Their energy and enthusiasm echoed throughout the auditorium.

The volume was cranked up with a diverse mix of performers who were also inducted, featuring “Time Has Come Today” performed by Willie Chambers of The Chamber Brothers, and megastar Michael Peterson, who gave a stunning performance of his hit song “From Here To Eternity”. The energy was infectious as Al Ferguson and Tyrone DuBose followed suit, each bringing their own dynamic presence to the stage. Tony Valentino of The Standells brought a wave of nostalgia with his upbeat rendition of “Dirty Water”, transporting the audience back in time with his lively performance. Gary Green then took to the stage, strumming out a heartfelt folk song, Lamoyne Alexander cranked out a medley of hits, then Rodica Isabella Shaldan, an international Romanian-Hungarian actor, model, producer, and musician, Wild Bil McCombe, and The Canyon Montclair rounded out the night.

Nearing the end of the evening, the houselights swept across the audience and were met with a sea of Mondrian coats resembling a colourful Partridge Family Bus. Fans of David Cassidy excitedly leapt up, belting out the lyrics alongside The K-Tel All-Stars as they paid tribute to their beloved teen idol with a spirited rendition of “I Think I Love You”. To close off the night, Ron Dante was honoured with The Lifetime Achievement Award, while Ron Whitaker received The Humanitarian Award.

Those who graced the stage as presenters showcased the remarkable skills and charisma of renowned figures such as Ron Dante, Jane Seymour of Medicine Women fame, Dennis Tufano from the iconic band The Buckinghams, the enchanting Kerri Kasem, and a host of other talented individuals.

The night was a testament to the power of music. What began as a ceremony tinged with disappointment, blossomed into a symphony of redemption as music filled the air; fellow artists appropriately honoured the talent and legacy of the remaining inductees and the enduring magic of entertainment California is known for.

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