BOOK REVIEW: When I told a friend of mine that The Wrecking Crew, the ace group of west coast studio musicians who ghosted on records credited to The Turtles, The Mamas & The Papas, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, The 5th Dimension and countless other rock and pop groups in the 60’s and 70’s, had played on both a Byrds record and a Gary Lewis & The Playboys record he said that I had ruined his childhood. So much of his identity had been shaped by defining which groups were cool and which were uncool, that to discover that they were made by roughly the same people in the same studio (and often using the same songwriters) was as traumatic as learning that there was no Santa Claus. Well, rock and toll tribalism suffers another blow in this mammoth book about The Partridge Family, who were yet again Hal Blaine, Tommy Tedesco, Leon Russell, Joe Osborne, Louie Shelton et al, along with the Ron Hicklin Singers. Singer/actor David Cassidy was memorably front and center on lead vocals with Shirley Jones providing the occasional “oohs” and “aahs”. Johnny Ray Miller’s 2016 book “When We’re Singin’” is like Mark Lewisohn’s “Tune In” for TV’s first family of soft rock. Indeed, the focus of his book is largely on the albums and recording sessions held at Western Recorders (Studio 2) between 1969-1974 rather than the day to day grind of churning out the TV program. Miller goes DEEP on this stuff: album by album, track by track, with an emphasis on the songwriters and producers behind the scenes. Since The Partridge Family was a Screen Gems property, fans of The Monkees will recognize a lot of familiar names pitching in like Lester Sill, Shorty Rogers, Boyce & Hart, Goffin & King, Mann & Weill, Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield, Diane Hildebrand and even David Price (Davy Jones stand-in turned songwriter!). The main difference here being that the Partridge Family traded in Adult-Contemporary music (not unlike The Carpenters....who also used the same musicians) rather than the Beatles inspired pop/rock favored by The Monkees. The main man overseeing this project was producer Wes Farrell, who comes across as something of a controversial figure if the recollections of several songwriters and musicians are to be trusted. One story everyone agrees on is that things got so bad between David Cassidy and Wes Farrell that Cassidy eventually refused to be in the same room with him. David’s uneasiness with some of the material (he would rather have been in a heavier rock act like Cream) is just as much of a running theme throughout this book as The Wrecking Crew and The Ron Hicklin Singers’ admiration for Cassidy’s interpretive vocal talents. Indeed, for a few years there in the early 70’s Cassidy was the world’s pied piper. ...and that’s where I come in. The Partridge Family’s albums were the first pop/rock albums I ever actively listened to as a child. It’s not a stretch to say that if there’s a starting point in my lifelong role as a music geek it probably begins with “Brand New Me”, track one on side one of 1970’s The Partridge Family Album. While I’m by no means a completist when it comes to Cassidy & co., Miller’s book did inspire me to break out the CD’s I do have to rediscover anew the deceptively sophisticated light pop created by these studio pros, in the guise of an ersatz Cowsills. It’s far better music than it’s generally given credit for and “When We’re Singin’” seeks to make sure we don’t forget it. Aside from the mission statement, it’s also a lot of fun to just relive that time period, with stories and generous photos about the marketing and merchandising of TV tie-in pop and the sometimes odd connections you might never make (Deep Purple and The Partridges???)
Incredible reference resource (really amazing) of The Partridge Family's music. 450 pages of details organized by album. Wonderful full color images from the albums and merchandise. Johnny Ray Miller did an outstanding job compiling this all in one volume. Any Partridge Family fan is sure to cherish this.
Pairs well with Joey Green's The Partridge Family Album which details each episode from the show's four year run in the early 1970's.
Johnny Ray Miller wrote this amazing book and it’s all about the music. The music of the 70’s show The Partridge Family was written by some of the greatest writers including Tony Romeo and David Cassidy himself. It was called bubblegum but that could not be further from the truth. Johnny shows us how the music catapulted David’s career. The first song to come out of the show hit number one and set David out to be a hit before the show even first aired. I Think I Love You hit number one in the charts beating out the Beatles son Let It Be. When the show’s producers and directors hired David Cassidy to play the role of Keith Partridge they had no idea that David was a musical prodigy and genius. First hired to lip sync David became the lead along with a band called The Wrecking Crew. Johnny Ray Miller set out to ensure the music would be recognized, preserved and not be forgotten. His research lead him to give us an accurate discography timeline of this music. Johnny gives us both the insight to show but so much more. This book is a must read for fans of the show and the late David Cassidy!!!
I love the music of the Partrudge Family. I share it with others as we drive in my car and listen to it as often as I can since there are so many beautiful tunes. David Cassidys voice was supreme and the artists behind the music have an amazing story. This book written with such a deep depth and intense research is a true homage to a music legacy from the early 70s. The Partridge Family sold millions and millions of records back then and we hardly hear it or never do on the radio today. The music is beautiful. Back then Bell records was pushing album sales but so many 45 singles could have been hits. Legendary songwriters, singers and artists are interviewed in depth in this loving research on the authors favorite music. He's a fan and he takes us with him to hear the incredible story behind the music and TV show. Sadly, David Cassidy and Suzanne Crough, Wes Farrell and Tony Romeo are gone but in this book we hear their voices and learn everything we ever wanted to know about the incredible music of that era. Cassidy had a larger fan club than the Beatles! I was a member back in 1971, I still have all my PF albums and now I learned about the incredible talent behind each song and record and lots of amazing stories about the actors and the TV show. Thank you to the author for the in depth research. Not a stone was left unturned. I keep going back to the book as I keep discovering new gems about the incredible music of the Partridge Family. I even found alternate versions of a couple songs recorded by other artists and you can see how the talent behind the Partridge Family made each tune their own. The book is worth taking the time to read and enjoy and to learn about an era in music which shouldn't be forgotten and shouldn't only be idolized by those who were there! Maybe one day there will be a revival, and in the meantime, this book takes you there to when it happened.
To think for several years i was often wondering if a book of this sort would have ever been written Even better if i would have taken a good bet over this thought then for sure i would have lost. I was ecstatic back a couple of years ago when i was reading on line that Johnny Ray Miller showed great interest in creating what sounded like a couple of hundred pages book precisely about The Partridge Family.
For all the fans of The Partridge Family who were always curious to know so much more about their television show all about the actors who exactly were all of these musicians that played the instruments and did all of the background vocals then this is the Bible Book that you need to own.
The Partridge Family were my first favorite musical band and to this day 46 years later their fantastic feel good music all perfectly sung by David Cassidy will always have a special place in my heart as the 70,s was an era in time in my life where i found had some of the greatest music around growing up!
Thank-you Johnny you truly are awesome for giving all( us fans) probably the greatest book that will ever be written about The Partridge Family where you yourself as a fan also got to learn so much more about this television show musical band. A book certainly not to own just on a coffee table!
It's been referred to as, "The Partridge Family Bible" for good reason. The 467 pages are filled with interview after interview, ranging from the "behind the scenes crew" to those in front of the camera - with 64 colored pages, that will have you saying, wow, I didn't know that about the show, the merchandise or the music.
David Cassidy's unique voice, hair, face and personality mesmerized fans across the world and still does as we celebrate, The Partridge Family's 50th anniversary in 2020. Johnny Ray Miller's labor of love is evident in all the details compiled in, When We're Singin'. He especially hones in on the music of "The Partridge Family"/David Cassidy. It is beautifully explored and you'll be amazed to discover the music was written & produced by some of the top talent in the music industry. Miller uncovers the answer we all want to know - what ever happened to "The Bus"? - that Mondrian inspired bus, we were all dying to ride on, to their next singing gig.
I love how you can skip around to different chapters or topics in the book and read it in the order you would prefer. The Forward written by David Cassidy, sets the tone of a book embraced by over 100 special guests. When We're Singin' will make you want to "C'mon Get Happy" again.
When We’re Singin’ is a very detailed well written book. I enjoyed reading and learning about all the behind the scene details that went into making the music for the Partridge Family. It is obvious that the author went to great lengths with his research to be able to give such personal and authentic details in the writing of this book. It is a great conversation piece, when guests come over and see the book on my coffee table we always have great conversations about the book. I have had many friends buy this book just from me telling them about this book and they have all felt the same way as I do, they love this book. From the amazing photographs to the forward from David Cassidy himself to the amazing cover this book will take you into the world of the Partridge Family music from the highs to the lows. The history of the writers and their music and their connections to many of the most popular musicians in music history is astounding. You don’t have to be a Partridge Family fan to read this book, this book takes you on a journey through history of many famous musicians, recording artists and writers. This book will leave you feeling very entertained and informed.
This book should be considered the “bible” for any Partridge Family fan. It is chock-full of information. You don’t have to necessarily read it from page 1 straight through, but why wouldn’t you? Why would you risk missing anything author Johnny Ray Miller covers and uncovers? From interviews with the obvious stars of the Partridge Family, to directors, episode producers, record producers, session band members—even the album cover designers (my particular favorite part of the author’s research)—plus a whole section dedicated to that Mondrian-inspired psychedelic bus! Author Johnny Ray Miller really gives credibility to the phenomenon that was, and still is, David Cassidy and the Partridge Family both especially important as 2020 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the show! It’s must-read TV!
When were singin Is a remarkable achievement and the the result of a great deal of research, interviews and fabulous photos. Jonny Ray Miller has cleverly chronicled the memories and stories of the Partridge Family’s unique music and talent. The incredible facts about the songs and “ The secret formula “ is unraveled and revealed in Jonnys fabulous book which includes a forward by the main man himself, David Cassidy , AKA Keith Partridge whom thanks Jonny for the book and for his passion of music . A recommendation for all Partridge Family and David Cassidy fans . It’s a trip down memory lane with an insight into behind the scenes . An encyclopaedia of Partridge Family Music and Stories. A font of knowledge , a journey of discovery and a unique “ Bible “ for all Partridge Family Fans . A treasure to keep forever , come on board and get happy !
Without a doubt, Johnny Ray Miller's "When We're Singin'" is the very BEST and most definitive, comprehensive Partridge Family book you will ever have the pleasure of owning. The details, lists of songs (released and unreleased), memorabilia photos, trivia, and Miller's heart-felt writing will speak volumes to Partridge Family fans throughout the universe. I have read the book multiple times and use it as a great reference guide if I need to look up something like a song title, a release date, details on each record album released, an album designer, etc. This is truly a work of art and a treat for all fans. Bravo!
Ronnie D. Jewell, Jr., English professor and Partridge Family fan!
When We're Singin' is a great book to read!!!It has been a fabulous conversation starter,when guests are visiting! It's filled with so much information, memories and it always takes you back to the good ol' days every time you pick it up!There are many great pictures to enjoy and it is obvious as you read through the book,just how much passion to get as much information on each interesting page,is in Johnny Ray's heart!This awesome book, is highly recommended and is definitely an all-time favorite of ours!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I could not put it down. Johnny Ray Miller did an outstanding job researching everything Partridge Family/David Cassidy fans ever wanted or needed to know about the music we all know and love. We needed a book focusing on just the music and finally we have one. Now we can all grow to love and appreciate it even more! I highly recommend "When We're Singin.'" 5 stars and 2 thumbs up!!
A fascinating book covering the most cherished part of David Cassidy, his music. Whether it was written by him or someone else David made the music he recorded, his for life. The details of the music, the people, the love and the work going into the mind of David is almost "touchable" when reading the words, the music can almost be heard through the words by Johnny Ray Miller, truly a man dedicated to the music of the genius that is David Cassidy.
This book is a pmust have for any Partridge family fan. We lovingly now refer to this book as the PF bible. It’s all about the music. Who wrote it. Why it was written. Pictures. It’s nice to actually put a face to a name. David Cassidy was one of the most underrated talents of our time. Johnny Ray did himself proud with this book. If should be on every shelf. Love this book.
A superb book loaded with great info! I took a very long time to absorb this book as it is very detailed and goes into the creation of every Partridge song and album. Great stuff! Great insight to the series too. Johnny left no stone unturned.
The perfect book for any Partridge Family fan covering the entire history of the show, the music, the albums, and especially the performers. Definitely the most comprehensive book I've ever seen on the subject.
Great book for music lovers, Partridge Family Fans and David Cassidy Fans! Johnny Ray Miller is a great historical researcher and his interviews are captivating!
Awesome book if you are a fan of David Cassidy a must have. Covers the complete history of the Partrige family. Pictures quotes, etc. I completely love mine
Great read. A must have book for all David Cassidy and Partridge Family fans. Once you start reading it you can't put it down. Great photos too. Get it. You won't be disappointed.
When We're Singin' is amazing! As someone who watched the Partridge Family from day one and continues while it airs in syndication, I'm in awe ofJohnny Ray Miller's in depth research. He is an absolutely wonderful wordsmith who presents the history of the Partridge Family music, in such a manner that I could not put the book down . I've read it multiple times and highly recommend When We're Singin' by Johnny Ray Miller.
This book is for hardcore Partridge fans - particularly those who are interested in the backstory of their music. The five star rating comes with a caveat - you really have to be a fan to appreciate the effort that went into the research and writing of this book. The author is clearly a fan.
The story of the music is fascinating. The writers, arrangers, musicians, singers, and producers created a mind-boggling amount of music over the course of a couple of years. Their connections to other artists and music of that time settles the argument that many Partidge fans have fought over the years: The Partidge family made real music, and it was great music.
Additionally, stories about casting and the making of the TV show are also recounted, many by former cast members and others who worked on the show. Another aspect of the Partridge Family, the emormously successful marketing of the brand in the form of trading cards, lunchboxes, magazines, etc. is presented in a full color spread in the middle of the book. I had a blast looking for treasures I once owned (and still own, in some cases.)
I read this book with bittersweet nostalgia, shortly after the death of David Cassidy. At the time of publishing, Suzanne Crough had just died and she is remembered by Brian Forster in a memorial placed at the end of the book.
I would have enjoyed reading more about each of the episodes - the Christmas episode is beautifully remembered - but the book is already over 400 pages!
Thoroughly researched, this gives a lot of insight into the writers and producers of the music and the show. Would have liked a bit of music criticism but the author is an optimist and huge fan, liking pretty much everything. But the music that Cassidy and Wes Farrell put out from 1970 through 1973, is really good pop music that holds up surprisingly well.
This is a MUST READ for Partridge Family/David Cassidy fans- but I also recommend it for anyone who writes music. The story of the work that went into the PF music machine us absolutely fascinating. I was engrossed in this book from beginning to end and have already purchased it for two friends. An absolutely absorbing book for kids from the 70s.
Thank you Mr.. Ray for writing this book. It enhanced the sweet spot of my childhood for this already beloved show for me. I loved it and it led me to binge watch Partridge family episodes- So far I’ve made it through all of season one and I think half of season two so far. During the quarantine time it’s giving me something to enjoy. I never realized how much the show is about Danny and how incredibly naturally talented he was. I also didn’t realize how incredibly talented Dave Madden was. I was always too busy just staring at David when the show was on. Lots of luck. i learned interesting info about the bus, that no matter how many times I have seen the bus I wouldnt have been able to be as discerning about details as the book is. It was very enlightening to hear about the musical background of the show and the singers involved. All the names we read in the show credits have a little more life to them now that some of their backstory is revealed. My friends are now the lucky recipients of all kinds of trivia I’ve picked up from the book. For good measure I did also watch an episode or two of the Brady Bunch and couldn’t believe I saw Brian Foster in an episode before he was a Partridge. Now, back to continue my Partridge Family TV show binge watching:):)
Nostalgia takes us on journeys to some of our favorite places and times in our lives. Often, it is accidentally triggered: a smell, a sound, a special object, a song. "When We're Singin" takes you on that nostalgic journey into your past. It shows you memories of Partridge Family episodes you'd forgotten, reminds you of some of your favorite songs from the show, and takes you back into your younger self. Then it takes you farther - it tells you all the information you could ever want to know about how those episodes and songs were written, what the actors and actresses thought and felt during production, and about many of the other amazing team members that helped bring the show to life. If you've ever been interested in the Partridge Family TV show or its cast members or if you're just a TV show, music, or 70's buff, this book is for you. And honestly, the artistry of how the words and pictures (and puzzles) are crafted together make this book something most anyone would enjoy.
I highly recommend "When We're Singin'" by Johnny Ray Miller.
When We’re Singin’ took me back in time and brought back so many memories. When I was a young, I always wanted to be a Partridge….. This book brought me behind the scenes of the show and told the untold story of that amazing music and tv show. I learned so much more that it made me feel more a part of the Partridge Family! Thank you John! If you are a Partridge Family or David Cassidy fan, this is MUST read. Johnny Ray Miller When We're Singin': The Partridge Family & Their Music