CHRISTMAS WITH THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY ON WUSB.FM!

Don't miss my guest appearance tonight (Saturday, Dec 17th) at 6PM on 90.1 FM WUSB! It's a special Christmas radio broadcast of The Partridge Family and The Carpenters Christmas music! You can link to it at: http://wusb.fm/ 

HERE'S THE PROMO FROM WUSB: 

Captain Rockit's Time Machine brings you the holiday event of the season. It's a Christmas Special featuring 2 of the most popular artists of all time, The Carpenters and The Partridge Family. Returning to the WUSB airwaves for this special event will be authors Johnny Ray Miller and Randy L. Schmidt. Johnny Ray Miller's book on the Partridge Family "When We're Singin' is being released just in time for this holiday season. And so is David Cassidy's new Christmas EP! Johnny will update us on the release of the book and the holiday music of both David Cassidy and The Partridge Family! Randy L. Schmidt is the author of "Little Girl Blue" The Karen Carpenter Story, as well as other books. He will be with us to tell us about his latest endeavors as well as offer his expert opinions of The Carpenters holiday music. So if you want to hear a Christmas Special like they used to be, please tune in December 17th at 6 PM Eastern for "An Old Fashioned Christmas", only on 90.1 FM WUSB and WUSB.FM streaming live on the internet worldwide.

Proof for Text Body is in!

Hi gang!

Wanted to let you all know that Kristina has finished the first proof for layout of the book body. I received the proof and I have already gone through it and passed it on to Donna. (copy editor). Once Donna is finished, it will then return back to Kristina. She will make all edits/corrections and then provide us with a second proof to look over. If all goes well, at that point, it goes to print. For fun, check out the picture of Kristina working on the book at her office! 

I will be back with all of you as I share the step by step process of these final stages! By the way, happy anniversary, all of you! (Did you know yesterday was the debut of The Partridge Family, 46 years ago?) Yep...we're THAT old!

Countdown....6....

Book Cover in Layout! Countdown at Nine!...

Hi gang,

Just a quick update for you.

The text and final artwork for the book cover is currently in the layout stages. Kristina Danklef of Sourballpython Studios (Sourballpython.com) will be taking the book through the final stages of layout, including the final design for the book cover.

Kristina is from Salem, Ohio, and has a long background in graphic art. She recently completed work on several books, including "Wisdom from the Woods, Seasons," and she has taken on our Partridge Family book with tremendous excitement.

David Cassidy in Melbourne, March 10, 1974. (this is not the book cover...just a photo for your enjoyment!)

First thing on deck is the book cover, and she will be sending me proofs to look at in the coming days. I am as excited as you are, and as soon as I get the first proof, I'll be back with all of you to fill you in! 

For now...we countdown to NINE! 

Johnny

Countdown begins at.....TEN!

Number 10!

We are going to layout!

This week, the text is sent to the graphic designer's for initial layout! During this stage the graphic artist will work closely with our editor, and myself, as well as our photographers who keep an eye on photos, colors, that sort of thing.

Over the past week we have had several meetings as a team. Some of you have asked where the book is being printed. I am proud to say the book is being printed in the U.S.A.!  

Signature Book Printing Inc. in Maryland will be printing our books once we complete the layout process. Signature Book Printing is highly reputable in their work, producing high quality and quantities of their books. In addition to standard books and paperbacks, they also do high end coffee table books, so they are a great choice for us, given the 64 page color section.

We will be back with you next week to continue counting down!

Let the bus ride continue!

Johnny

IT'S ALMOST TIME!!

Hi everyone!!

The 64-page color photo section is done and will be going to the print sometime next week! (The photo section goes to print separately from the text section, which will be ready in a few more weeks!)

In the meantime, I have sent out a survey form to all of my individual backers. This feature is only offered as a one-time feature through Kickstarter. It allows me to get your shipping address and your name, as  you would like it to appear in print and on the website. I have saved the survey until now, knowing I can only do it once, because I wanted to send it out as close to the print date as possible. You should be getting it about the same time you receive this update!

Once the text section is sent to print I can announce an exact release date, which will be approximately five weeks following the printing process because the book is being printed in the U.S.A., (as opposed to 4 months delivery time if it were printed in China or anywhere overseas). 

I know it has been a long wait for all of you, but I hope the added work on the book will prove worth the wait! I appreciate each and every one of you and all the support you have given me through this past year. Not just for the backing, but for all the kind emails and words of enthusiasm that you have sent as well!

More big news coming soon! Time to get back on the bus! :)

Johnny Ray Miller

Book Updates!

Hi All!

I wanted to get a note out to everyone and fill you in on the book's progress as we head into the spring.

As most of you know, we exceeded our Kickstarter goal by 15%, and we promised that we would expand on the photo section with the extra money. So in the fall, we began work on the photo layout, which went from 48 pages to 64--all color. There was a lot of interest from fans to include the most comprehensive photo section of Partridge Family memorabilia that we could find, so we literally contacted people from all over the world in search of rare items. The end result is a photo section that will have more images of the rarest of collectibles than anyone has ever seen--many of which have never appeared in print. But this has taken a lot of extra time. Not only did we have to locate the memorabilia, but we had to get multiple photographs of everything so we could have the best possible photos to work with. All in all, there are over 400 individual images that will make up the entire photo section!

As of this week, we are nearing the end of the work on the photo section, and the rest of it will be editing. The book is about halfway through editing at this point. I am hoping that in the coming few weeks I will be able to announce an exact release date. 

Thanks, everyone, for your understanding and patience. Rest assured that you have some very talented professionals who are in charge of the editing and the layout, and they are both working daily to get the book out to you as fast as possible.

As the weeks go forward,  you will be getting updates from me more frequently as we approach our "go to print" date. Once the book goes to print, it will be approximately six week after that when we have them in hand to mail out to you. 

I thank you again for your patience and your support, and I'll be back with you very soon!

Johnny 

A Tribute, by Brian Forster

After the sudden and shocking passing of Suzanne Crough, TV brother Brian Forster, agreed to write a very special dedication to her as an exclusive piece for "When We’re Singin.’" The tribute will be included in the book, and it is one of the most heartfelt passages you will ever read from anyone who was ever involved with The Partridge Family.

Suzanne and Brian were very good friends from the time of their youth to the day she passed away. They played together on the set as children, and they attended countless Partridge Family events and reunions as adults through the years. Thanks, Brian, for your generous and heartfelt contribution to "When We’re Singin.’"

Meet Debbie Daum, Grand Prize Recipient!

View fullsize

During the Kickstarter campaign, it was Debbie Daum of  Indiana that claimed the grand prize, a mini  Fender Stratocaster  signed by the three great Wrecking Crew musicians: guitarist Dennis Budimir, and bass players Max Bennett and Joe Osborn. These three musicians  played on the Partridge Family albums, and all three of their signatures on this guitar make it one of a kind, and an extremely valuable item.

The guitar sports the "When We're Singin'" logo, created by graphic designer Kirk Poffenberger of the Design Studio in Salem, Ohio. The sharp colors and crisp lines were created with the use of vinyl art techniques.

This past weekend, Debbie met with us, along with a few other local backers, and picked up her prize!  Thanks, Debbie, for believing in the book, for getting behind it in such a grand way, and for the great new friendship that we have forged through this process. 

A Long, Overdue THANK YOU to Jason Snyder!

A giant, heartfelt, and long overdue thank you to my buddy Jason Snyder, who has been on board with this book from the very beginning.

Jason is the guy with the bionic ear, who has helped me interpret countless pieces of audio transcript when my ears could not distinguish exactly what was said. Jason and those amazing ears cleared up dozens of details that otherwise would have been lost in transcript. In addition, he was able to help isolate various lyrics in the songs that have been written incorrectly on most lyric sites, and even liner notes from as far back as the ‘70s. 

Jason especially worked countless hours on the transcription of material making this one of the smoothest processes of all the various stages in putting together this book. I can’t tell you all how grateful I am to have this man on the team, and for all the crazy amount of time and work he has put into making this happen.

Thank you so very much, Jason! I couldn’t have done it without you!

Celebrating the 45th Anniversary Today!

We officially declare the next 7 days Partridge Family week!  Come join us for some retro-'70s fun as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of  The Partridge Family! On September 25, 1970 we met the Partridges on ABC Friday nights at 8:30 pm.   

David Cassidy burst out of the gate as an international superstar.  "I Think I Love You" was already climbing the charts when the show premiered,  moving faster and faster towards the No. 1 position!

Pull out your DVD's and CD's and relive some 1970s grooviness as we get ready to launch the release of "When We're Singin' - The Partridge Family and Their Music" in just a few short months! http://www.whenweresingin.com/pre-order-the-book-1/

Brian Forster (Chris Partridge) Hops On The Bus!

Brian Forster will be making an appearance on WUSB.FM Radio to help promote "When We're Singin'"  and celebrate the 45th Anniversary of The Partridge Family! The show is scheduled for this  Thursday from 6-10PM!  You can sign up or simply tune in! Hope to see you all!

Stay tuned!  More updates coming soon! http://wusb.fm/

"When We're Singin'" Available for Pre-Order NOW!

Hey gang!  It's official! "When We're Singin' - The Partridge Family and their Music" is now available for pre-order ONLY through this site!

The cost of the book is $29.99 and you can pre-order it by going to the new link on the site, PRE-ORDER THE BOOK.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! We will have more news and updates on the book's progress in the coming weeks! Watch for regular blog postings as we go forward. If you haven't already done so, please sign up for the daily BLOG and you will receive the blogs directly to your  email!

The Partridge Family and their famous Mondrian-inspired bus!

More to come as it unfolds....

24 Hour Offer--Get Ron Hicklin's Hand-Written Session Notes!

Ron Hicklin, one of the 4 real background vocalists for The Partridge Family, also contracted all of the Partridge Family sessions with the other vocalists! These notes contain  details of every single recording session laid down by The Partridge Family, in Ron's own hand-writing! Every song from every album and TV episode is documented here, and even more exciting--the unreleased songs are also documented!

A photo of Volume 6-C of the Screen Gems Records given to the cast to learn the music! Not included in this offer.

As part of our campaign to publish "When We're Singin'" we are offering you a copy of Ron Hicklin's session notes! Open up a pledge in the next 24 hours for $35 or more, and  you will receive the hand-written notes as a premium reward! For current backers, the offer is discounted at $30! Offer expires on May 20th, 2015 at the stroke of midnight!

Hop on the bus here, and let's publish "When We're Singin' - The Partridge Family and Their Music." 

'The Wrecking Crew' Filmmaker Denny Tedesco is a Backer!

The campaign to publish "When We're Singin'" has now earned the backing of Denny Tedesco, filmmaker of the award-winning documentary, "The Wrecking Crew."

The critically acclaimed "The Wrecking Crew," tells the story of the session musicians who worked around the clock playing on thousands of records during the '60s and '70s. These players were the best of the best, and they were intrinsic to the creation of a sound for such acts as The Mamas and The Papas, Sonny & Cher, the Carpenters, and yes--The Partridge Family!

In fact, Denny Tedesco's father, Tommy Tedesco, was one of the lead guitar players for The Partridge Family, and Denny provides commentary in "When We're Singin'" about his young memories of the Partridge Family music!

Denny's "The Wrecking Crew" was finally  given distribution after a successful  campaign on Kickstarter in 2013 that garnered Denny the final funding needed to pay off expensive music licensing fees.

Denny has been a friend to "When We're Singin'" since the beginning of the project's development. He was the guy who connected me to the session players--the great Hal Blaine, Max Bennett, Louie Sheldon, and Joe Osborn to name only a few. 

With Denny on board the Partridge Family bus, it's time for you to join us in making "When We're Singin'" a published reality! C'mon Partridge Family fans! Board the bus NOW! There's only 12 days left!

The bus door opens HERE: http://kck.st/1DSL7zP

-Johnny Ray Miller

You Keep Saying You Want More Photos!....so......OK!

David Cassidy in an exclusive Henry Diltz photo, supporting the fight against pollution during the early '70s! 

Offered up again this evening is a 3rd 8 X 10 photo of David Cassidy from the Henry Diltz archives, that  Henry has so graciously given to the campaign exclusively with intent to support the publication of "When We're Singin' - The Partridge Family and Their Music!"

This photo of David Cassidy was shot by Henry Diltz as part of a campaign in Australia to fight pollution, a cause that was taken very seriously during the early '70s. Once again, this offer is ONLY available here for the next 24 hours, exclusive through our campaign! 

These great Henry Diltz photos are valued at $50 and up, but we are able to offer it to you, thanks to Henry, at only $35 for new backers and $30 for current backers! And here's the continued great news: SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM IS FREE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! 

Just open a pledge at $35 or more, or choose an existing pledge category and add an additional $35!  Current backers can add this photo to their existing pledge for only $30 more! The offer expires Monday, May 18, 2015 (EST) at the stroke of midnight! This is pretty fun, huh? :)

Click here to get this photo: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1479433328/when-were-singin-the-partridge-family-and-their-mu

Come On Get Happy!

Another 24-Hour Offer, Courtesy of Henry Diltz!

You liked it so much, Henry says let's do another one!

Yep! Yesterday's photo offer made you so happy  that Henry Diltz has given us another one--EXCLUSIVELY in support of our campaign to publish "When We're Singin' - The Partridge Family and Their Music!"

This is an outstanding shot of David Cassidy (and his quintessential shag hair cut) playing the Ukelele, and wearing his famous Puka Shell Necklace that he made himself while vacationing in Hawaii with Henry!  Another great photo from the archives of Henry Diltz, this offer is ONLY available here for the next 24 hours, exclusively through our campaign! 

These great Henry Diltz photos are valued at $50 and up, but we are able to offer it to you, thanks to Henry, at only $35 for new backers and $30 for current backers! And here's the other great news: SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM IS FREE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! 

If you are new, welcome aboard the bus! Just open a pledge at $35 or more, or choose an existing pledge category and add an additional $35!  Current backers can add this photo to their existing pledge for only $30 more! The offer expires Monday, May 17, 2015 (EST) at the stroke of midnight! Let the fun continue!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1479433328/when-were-singin-the-partridge-family-and-their-mu

Thanks Henry, for backing us! 

24-Hour exclusive Photo offer from Henry Diltz!

Available ONLY in the next 24 hours, get this gorgeous 8 X 10 photo of David Cassidy  taken by Henry Diltz for the "Cherish" album! 

Henry Diltz is a big supporter of our campaign to publish "When We're Singin'," so he has offered up this quintessential David Cassidy photo to support the cause! For ONLY the next 24 hours, this photo is available at the incredibly low cost of $35 WITH FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!  If the photo is all you want, just pledge $35 or more before Midnight tomorrow night as a cash-only pledge! If you would like to choose an existing pledge category of $30 or more, simply add another $35 and this photo is automatically included! Current backers are also offered the photo at a discounted rate of an additional $30 added to their current pledge!

Henry Diltz photos go for MUCH MORE than this when purchased from his studio! He is offering this opportunity ONLY to fans who support the campaign for the publication of  "When We're Singin'!"

Remember--the offer expires tomorrow night at the stroke of midnight, ending May 16, 2015! Click the KICKSTARTER link provided here on this website to take you directly to the page! 

http://kck.st/1DSL7zP

Book & Photo Bundles now Available!

An original Henry Diltz photo of David Cassidy taken on the Columbia Ranch back lot during the  sessions that produced the photos for David's first album, "Cherish." Offered exclusively to this campaign, in limited quantities by Henry Diltz.

A gorgeous, colorful shot of David taken in Paris by good friend Henry Diltz  during David's  international concert tour. Offered exclusively through this campaign, in limited quantities by Henry Diltz!

Get the "I Think I Love You" or the "Come On Get Happy" Book and Photo bundles! Each package comes with an exclusive Henry Diltz 8 X 10 Color photo of David Cassidy, a commemorative lyric sheet, and a signed copy of the book!  There is also a category for those who just want the photo! CLICK HERE TO ORDER: at: http://kck.st/1DSL7zP  

A Story Behind a Song...

Do you know which PARTRIDGE FAMILY song was inspired by impressionist art? Get the story directly from the songwriter, only in the new book, "When We're Singin' available only at Kickstarter.com until May 31!

One of the great, rare pieces of photo memorabilia that David Cassidy fans adore, and a sample of the kind of photos you will find in the photo section, ONLY in "When We're Singin'! 

The Six Degrees of David Cassidy

This gorgeous 8 X 10 photo of David Cassidy is offered exclusively through Henry Diltz photography as a premium for our campaign to publish "When We're Singin' - The Partridge Family and Their Music." This shot was taken in Paris while on tour!

I’m sure you have heard about the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, but have you ever considered the Six Degrees of David Cassidy? Find out how the Partridge Family music connects with the unlikeliest of rock legends!

If Kevin Bacon is the center of the film industry, we believe David Cassidy is very likely the center of the music industry!