While there was plenty of soft rock, country rock and hard rock in the 70s, there was also a plethora of bubblegum rock. The Bay City Rollers, Leif Garrett, Donny Osmond and David Cassidy were some of the performers who belted out teen-dream lyrics. David's image blew up when he was a member of the fictional television family band The Partridge Family. However, his half brother Shaun Cassidy also became a major pop star after getting exposure on The Hardy Boys television show, where he also sang, and the Tiger Beat coverboy ended up capturing girls' hearts during the last part of the 70s.
The son of actor singer/actor Jack Cassidy and actress/singer Shirley Jones, Shaun had a baby face, perfectly feathered hair, swivel hips and a rich, deep speaking voice. His singing voice, however, was light and "dreamy" and ideal for teen heartthrob rock. He had several hits, including "Da Doo Ron Ron," "That's Rock 'n' Roll" and "Hey Deanie." "Hey Deanie" was his last top ten hit, hovering at #7 for two weeks in 1977 on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining on the charts into 1978. In the late 70s, bubblegum rock began to wane, replaced by disco and punk rock. "Hey Deanie," which became gold, was the penultimate pop rock song to help the decade wind down, full of sugary sweet melodies and lyrics and prompting candy-colored daydreams.
You can learn more about Shaun Cassidy here:
About the Curator - Sonya Alexander
After graduating from UCLA, Sonya trained to be a talent agent. After realizing she belonged on the creative end, she started freelance writing, covering film festivals for Los Angeles local papers. She's written about film, video games, global affairs, wildlife conservation and, most recently, music. She specializes in classic rock, classic soul, blues, classic country, classical and world music and is tri-coastal, residing in Los Angeles, New York and New Orleans.
Latest Posts
Hello It’s Me – The Isley Brothers
31 May 2021
The Isley Brothers added smokiness and umbre to it. They’re not just singing the song, they’re living it.
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
3 March 2021
The song is simple in its approach. It has an uncomplicated melody, a catchy refrain and Withers’ dulcet vocals. Songs like this epitomize the 70s, full of happiness and love. Pop culture always defines eras. The movies, television shows and music mirror the times. “Lovely Day” symbolizes the 70s, but it’s eternal in its outlook.
Feel Like Makin’ Love by Roberta Flack
20 November 2020
The 70s had some of the best slow jams. Love songs were actually about love. Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” from the album of the same title, is a worthy entry into the 70s catalog of golden love song hits. The silky tune blazed up the music charts in 1974 and remained at number one for a week on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles…
