When We're Singin'

Partridge Family

Partridge Family/David Cassidy Musical Tribute, tonight, WBWC "Island Time Radio"!

70s Music, 1970s, Wrecking CrewJohn MillerComment

This evening (Monday night 6/25) I will be in the studio at WBWC with DJ Dennis King on his weekly "Island Time Radio Show" in tribute to the music of David Cassidy and The Partridge Family. The show is live on WBWC.com or through the Tune in app (search WBWC) @ 10 PM eastern time Monday night.The show runs from 10 PM to 1 AM and there will be encores on four other stations. http://itrshow.com/ 

Book Signing--THE STEEL CITY CON, Monroeville, PA, April 13, 14, 15!

70s Music, 1970s, Partridge FamilyJohn MillerComment

Anyone able to come to the Monroeville PA STEEL CITY CON this weekend? LOVE to see you! I'll have a table there, signing books and there will be a host of celebrities including John Wesley Shipp (The Flash), Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie) and Alice Cooper (who was a good friend of David Cassidy!) Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Hope to see you! Here's the link: https://www.steelcitycon.com/

A Tribute to Executive Producer Bob Claver

Partridge Family TV ShowJohn Miller1 Comment

During the month of December, and only weeks after the passing of David Cassidy, Partridge Family Executive Producer Bob Claver quietly passed away after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s. He was a huge supporter of When We're Singin', and I'd like to share a few words about this great man who gave the world of entertainment many, many great television programs.

Bob Claver 5 courtesy of Nancy Witherell.jpg

After my very first interview with Shirley Jones she told me that I needed to speak with Bob Claver. She said he was a great producer and she had a terrific relationship with him because he always dealt with everyone so fairly and with such professionalism. She said she had worked with a lot of producers through the years and they were not all like that. When I spoke with Bob, he had the same kind of respect for Shirley. He felt very close to Shirley through those years and off camera they shared a great friendship, supporting each other in their personal lives as well. Their ability to unite, to be a team and to teach the young actors how to stick together, is something that made a great impression on me.

Bob was my third or fourth interview for When We’re Singin.’ I had watched an archival interview with him beforehand, and I was really excited (and really nervous!) to have the chance to speak with him.

He was extremely knowledgeable and articulate about his life in the business and his time on The Partridge Family. The quality I remember most about him was his straight forward nature in answering every question with precise detail. He was a listener too, and he picked up on a few comments I made about my own life early in the conversation and brought them back into the dialog at the very end. I noticed it, and it felt really nice. It was a certain nod of approval that I cherish to this day, and will always remember.

It was Bob Claver’s daughter, Nancy, who initially connected me with her father for the interview. Shortly afterwards Nancy together with her father, became backers for the book, supporting the Kickstarter campaign and everything that went into the book’s publication.

During the campaign, Bob signed 25 bookmarks that were used to help raise funds. He even offered to sign copies of the book for all those who purchased it through the campaign, but sadly the Altzheimer’s had begun to set in and take hold by the time the book was printed.

Nancy cared for her father all through the run of that horrible disease, and when he passed in December 2017, she sent me a very thoughtful note, as my own mother had passed from dementia in June 2016, six months before the publication of the book.

I felt a certain kinship with Nancy through those last few years. She and her father became people I could call friends. Nancy told me that at one point when the disease was getting bad, she was reading passages from the book to him, and she could see him nod and smile with approval over the words chosen to represent him and his memories of that period in his life. That warmed my heart.

Bob actually began his career on Captain Kangaroo, a show many of us watched as young children—a show that influenced us to be kind to one another, gentle and caring. If only there were more shows like that on TV today. Thanks to Bob Claver, we had one of the best.

His experience on that show and his passion for kids carried through in everything he did, and anyone who watches The Partridge Family can see that the Executive Producer, Bob Claver, had his pulse, influence and control over every line and every script ever produced for that show.

I remember him telling me that they did an episode about Danny thinking he was adopted, and it scared children across the nation. It was the only show that received letters of concern, and for some time it was not included in the syndicated reruns. He was sad by this because, he said, it didn’t produce the kind of feelings for children that he believed in. He didn’t like the idea of anyone—child or adult—feeling confused about their family identity.

The Partridge Family was also known for tackling topical issues of the day—racial prejudice, religion, environment to name a few, and Bob was particularly proud of those episodes because he felt they made a positive difference in the lives of children. He cared very much about their sensitivities.

We lost a show business legend when we lost Bob Claver, and I hope that you will all say a silent prayer for him, for Nancy and for the rest of his loving family left behind. —Johnny Ray Miller

Author Presentations at Geauga County Libraries

70s Music, Announcements, Brian Forster, Shirley JonesJohn MillerComment

I'll be doing a series of presentations on WHEN WE'RE SINGIN' at the Geauga County Public Library at all of their branches, beginning tomorrow in Middlefield. I sure hope some of you (northeast Ohioans) can come. :) Here are the dates and times for all three of the branches:

Saturday, September 23, 2017. 2PM --MIDDLEFIELD BRANCH, 16167 East High Street, Middlefield, OH 44062.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 7PM--CHARDON BRANCH, 110 East Park Street, Chardon, OH, 44024.

Sunday, November 12, 2017, 2PM--BAINBRIDGE BRANCH, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, OH, 44023.

Audio Clip: WBWC 88.3 Interview and PF music with Dennis King!

70s Radio, Partridge Family, Shirley Jones, Susan DeyJohn MillerComment

Here's the link for my interview last night on WBWC 88.3 with host Dennis King. Jeff Pike, a big supporter of WHEN WE'RE SINGIN', called in last night from Georgia and afterward he put together an edit of the full three hours so that we could share only the part of the show that was "All Partridge." (an hour and 23 min) Thanks a million, Jeff! This interview was really fun because it was so casual, and King is a big PF fan himself. I hope you like it.

Interview with Stan Turner, KLBB Radio, St. Paul/Minneapolis, July 27th at 1PM!

70s Music, David CassidyJohn MillerComment

The Partridge bus is gassing up again! I'll be doing a radio interview tomorrow, July 26 with Stan Turner on KLBB Radio out of St. Paul/Minneapolis. (and I have some exciting news to share, too!) Hope some of you can tune in :) I'll be on from 1:00PM - 1:30PM (CENTRAL TIME!)  on their afternoon show called "The Wolf Brewing Company All Request Show with Stan Turner and Bobby J." Check out the station @KLBBRadio.com http://klbbradio.com/wolfbrewingallrequest.aspx

Interview today, June 28, on The Gary Rivers Show, WHBC!

1970s, 70s Music, David Cassidy, Partridge FamilyJohn MillerComment

WHBC out of Canton will be hosting me today at 10AM for a special interview about the book on The Gary Rivers Show! WHBC is a very popular and established local radio station in Canton, Ohio and the The Gary Rivers Show often does retro/nostalgia themes on their program. They took an interest in WHEN WE'RE SINGIN' as David Cassidy was huge in this area, playing Canton OH in one of his earliest concert appearances in 1971. I hope you will all tune in! http://www.whbc.com/shows/gary-rivers-show/

THE BUS TOUR - A SCHEDULE OF BOOK SIGNINGS!

70s Music, Wrecking Crew, Partridge Family Music, David CassidyJohn MillerComment

Ready for the bus tour?

Here is a list of locations and dates for upcoming Author events and book signings! The bus ticket is free! Come along for the ride!!

APRIL 22, Half Price Books, 1607 Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124, In-store book signing, 1PM - 3PM

APRIL 29, Muggswigz Coffee and Tea Co., Lake Cable, 5854 Fulton Rd. NW, Canton, OH, 44718, In-store book signing 10AM – 2PM

APRIL 29, Barnes & Noble, 4015 Medina Road, Akron, OH 44333, In-store book signing 3PM - 5PM

MAY 6, Muggswigz Coffee and Tea Co., Portage Lakes, 3452 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319, In-store book signing 10AM to 2PM.

MAY 13, Half Price Books, 4000 Oxford Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102, In-store book signing, 2pm – 4pm 

MAY 20, Muggswigz Coffee and Tea Co., 137 Walnut Ave. NW, Canton, OH, 44702, In-store book signing 10am – 2pm 

JUNE 2, Carpe Diem Coffee Shop, 215 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702. In-store book signing 6pm – 9pm 

JUNE 10, Barnes & Noble, 7900 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060, In-store book signing 2pm – 5pm

SEPTEMBER 9, Geauga County Library -Middlefield Branch, 15982 East High Street, Middlefield, OH 44062, Video presentation, talk and book signing 2PM

SEPTEMBER 14, 15, 16, Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention, PO Box 52, Whiteford, MD 21160, Video Presentation, talk and book signing

OCTOBER 7, Passages & Prose Literary event (Book Festival), 20th Century Club, Oakland, PA Presentation and book signing Time: TBA

OCTOBER 11, Geauga County Library – Chardon Branch, 110 East Park Street, Chardon, OH 44024, Slide show, talk and book signing 7PM

NOVEMBER 12, Geauga County Library – Bainbridge Branch, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, Slide show, talk and book signing, 2PM

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Library & Archives, 2809 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, Author event, presentation and book signing *Date and Time TBA

 

 

 

 

FIRST BOOK SINGING with HALF PRICE BOOKS, Saturday, April 22, Mayfield Heights OH!

70s Music, Partridge Family Music, Shirley Jones, Wrecking Crew, David CassidyJohn MillerComment

I hope to see some of you from the Cleveland/Akron/Canton area this coming Saturday, April 22! It will be my first book signing with HALF PRICE BOOKS, one of my favorite book stores! They have all kinds of things at this store, from books to CD's, to DVDs and vinyl! I'll be signing books from 1-3PM. Half Price Books, 1607 Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124.

Feature Story in Canton Repository! Book Signings to follow!

70s Music, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Wrecking CrewJohn MillerComment

The Canton Repository featured an article and photo spread promoting "When We're Singin'" yesterday in the April 13th issue, placing the Partridge Family on the cover of the entertainment section, the Ticket! Great to see the Partridge Family on covers again, isn't it?! Book signings with the author will follow, beginning tomorrow, Saturday April 15th at Karma Café, 4339 Dressler Road, NW,Canton, OH 44718 from 10AM - 2PM. Another book signing will follow again Tuesday, April 18 at the Karma Café-- same Partridge-Time Same Partridge-Location! Books are also available for purchase NOW at Karma Café! See you there!

See the electronic version, with different photos!

http://www.cantonrep.com/entertainmentlife/20170413/canton-native-pens-ultimate-partridge-family-fan-book

Happy Birthday, David.....and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

1970s, 70s Music, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Partridge Family TV ShowJohn MillerComment

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID...and Thanks! Today is David Cassidy's 67th Birthday. And if you think that's old, then think about how old we are as fans! ha! Here are a few shots backstage with David and the book at his Feb. 18th concert. Hey, David--a million times a billion thank-yous for your support.  And above all....happy, happy Birthday! 

BOOK SIGNING WITH HALF PRICE BOOKS, MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OH!

1970s, 70s Music, Partridge Family, David CassidyJohn MillerComment

Hey friends, exciting news... I'll be doing several book signings for "When We're Singin' "  in the coming months with national book store chains including Barnes & Noble and Half Price Books! The first one on the schedule is at Half Price Books in Mayfield Heights, OH on Saturday, April 22, from 1-3PM. If you've never been, check it out! The store specializes in books AND music, with shelves and shelves of books, CD's and vinyl on their shelves! Hope to see some of you that day! Exact address: Half Price Books, 1607 Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, 44124. More to come as the bus rolls out of the winter ice into the spring mud! :)

Half Price Books, Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Half Price Books, Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Book Signings at Sheraton Hotel, Agoura Hills, CA on weekend of Cassidy concerts!

Cassidy Concerts, David Cassidy, David Cassidy Concerts, Partridge FamilyJohn MillerComment
David Cassidy scheduled for concerts at The Canyon Club, Agoura Hills CA and The Grenada Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA.

David Cassidy scheduled for concerts at The Canyon Club, Agoura Hills CA and The Grenada Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA.

I will be doing a book signing at the Sheraton Hotel in Agoura Hills CA this weekend during the two days of Cassidy concerts scheduled for The Canyon Club on the 18th and Santa Barbara on the 19th.  Two days of signings will be held at the Sheraton--February 18, 2-4PM and February 19, 11-2PM. The Full address and location: Sheraton Hotel, 30100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Room 228. Hope to see some of you!

IN PRAISE OF THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY - a feature story in the Vindicator!

70s Music, Cassidy Concerts, Celebrity Photos, Danny Bonaduce, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Shirley Jones, Susan Dey, Suzanne Crough, Brian ForsterJohn MillerComment

A couple weeks ago, I appeared on Youngstown's WFMJ Midday news with anchor Jennifer Brindisi. Immediately afterword, I was called by the Vindicator, who wanted to put together a feature story on the book. The article ran today. Here's a scan of the hard copy, and I've also included the full article from the online version as well. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/2kIh3tq

vindy article scan 2.jpg

Danny Tweets Again! "Come On Get Happy"

70s Music, 1970s, Danny Bonaduce, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Partridge Family Music, Shirley Jones, Susan Dey, Suzanne Crough, Wrecking CrewJohn MillerComment

Hey Gang! Danny's on a roll! His Latest tweet: "Brought my lunch to work in this today. What the hell? Come on Get Happy!" 

Celebrating a TV and Music legacy...Spread the word..WhenWereSingin.com! Follow Danny on Twitter @theDoochMan. Follow David Cassidy on Twitter @DavidbCassidy! 

Everyone on the bus! :)