The early 70s brought us a unique mix of simplicity, charm, and unforgettable talent, and The Partridge Family captured it all. David Cassidy’s incredible voice and undeniable charisma made him a household name, while Susan Dey’s relatable charm won the hearts of fans everywhere.
With its sharp writing, solid acting, and wholesome vibe, the show became a beloved part of television history. But even die-hard fans may have missed some fascinating details hidden in plain sight. Let’s take a nostalgic dive into the secrets and surprises that make The Partridge Family even more unforgettable!
The Partridge Family was a lighthearted sitcom about a widowed mother, Shirley, and her five children who formed a pop band and toured the country in their iconic colorful bus. Packed with catchy tunes and heartfelt moments, it became a cultural phenomenon of the 70s.
The Partridge family wasn’t so fictional after al
Did you know The Partridge Family was loosely based on a real pop band? Yep, the show drew inspiration from The Cowsills, a family music group that made waves in the late 1960s. The original plan was for the actual Cowsills kids to star in the series, but let’s just say acting wasn’t their thing. Plus, they were a little too old for the parts. So, the producers scrapped the idea and created their own fictional musical family instead.Here’s a fun twist: at first, Shirley Jones was the only cast member slated to sing. But when the producers got their hands on David Cassidy’s demo tracks, they realized they had a superstar in the making and gave him the mic too.
And get this — the Partridge Family wasn’t just a fake band on TV; the music made such an impact that they were actually nominated for the 1970 Best New Artist Grammy. Imagine that — a fictional band going up against real musicians! (The Carpenters ended up winning, but still — what a story…)
Why David Cassidy couldn’t face the public
The fame that came with The Partridge Family was a double-edged sword for many of the cast members, especially for David Cassidy. While the role as Keith Partridge skyrocketed him to teen idol status and made him a pop sensation of the 1970s, it also came with pressures that would eventually take their toll.
Cassidy went from being the charming TV son to a superstar whose every move was scrutinized – the mass hysteria around him was dubbed “Cassidymania”.
”I never went out in public after the first three months. It was too ridiculous. It’s not like that for celebrities anymore. Audiences are more sophisticated. They can see stars over and over on video, so they’re more human, more accessible now,” Cassidy said in 2017.
The network knew he could carry a tune, but they weren’t focused on that — they just wanted actors. Cassidy, who already had dramatic roles on shows like Bonanza and Ironside, had to audition multiple times just to land the part.
