Stop By ‘David Cassidy Way’! The ‘Partridge Family’ Star Gets New Honor in His Hometown
Seventies pop superstar David Cassidy is getting a street co-named after him by the township of West Orange, New Jersey, where he lived the first ten years of his life. It’s all part of a two-day celebration on July 30 and 31, 2025. Cassidy’s two children, Beau Cassidy and Katie Cassidy are scheduled to attend, along with legendary rock ’n’ roll photographer Henry Diltz, and Cassidy’s many devoted fans from around the world.
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David Cassidy rose to fame on the hit TV show, The Partridge Family, which aired four seasons from 1970 to 1974. Thanks to the show, he became the highest-paid entertainer on the planet at the time. Cassidy dominated television and music during the ’70s, developing a fan club bigger than those of the Beatles and Elvis Presley. He played sold-out concerts across the globe, including the Astrodome, Shea Stadium, and Madison Square Garden, where tickets sold out in 24 hours. Upwards of 65,000 fans showed up at his concert venues during his 1974 world tour.
Gene Trindl/TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection
Cassidy’s biggest hit, “I Think I Love You,” went No. 1 on the Billboard charts and won the NARM award for fastest-selling single of 1970. By 1971, Cassidy and his step-mom and Partridge Family costar, Shirley Jones, attended the Grammy Awards together as Best New Artist nominees for their recordings and live performances as The Partridge Family.
The early days of a superstar
Born David Bruce Cassidy on April 12, 1950 in Manhattan, Cassidy, along with his mother Evelyn Ward and father Jack Cassidy, soon moved in with Ward’s parents in West Orange as the two worked to establish themselves on the Broadway stage. Little David, whose mother nicknamed him ‘Smilin’ Sam,’ played Little League baseball at Colgate Field, and attended Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Sundays, where he first began to sing in his modest, blue-collar neighborhood.
With Stepmom Shirley Jones and Dad, Jack. Everett Coolection
“He said many times that growing up in West Orange kept him grounded when he became successful,” says Karen Raneiri, co-organizer of the event. “It’s where he discovered singing as a soloist in the junior choir, before he sold millions of records, and it’s where he discovered his love of baseball playing Little League.” Cassidy was a huge Yankees fan.
The support of his city
The David Cassidy Historical Marker Event is also supported by the city’s mayor, Susan McCartney.
“The mayor and the town of West Orange have been so enthusiastic,” adds Raneiri. “It means a lot, because West Orange held special meaning and memories for David all through his life. West Orange is also where Thomas Edison had his lab and home!”
The event’s co-organizer, Barbara Collentine, adds, “This event — with people coming from as far away as London, Holland, Poland and Australia — shows that David Cassidy’s global impact is still in the hearts of the fans who have followed him throughout his entire career.”
Two days of music, memories, and more
The two-day event is packed with ceremony and celebration. Day one gathers fans, friends and family by Colgate Field, where a historical marker will be placed. Then it’s on to Elm Street as the new street sign reading “David Cassidy Way” is erected. The day’s events are followed by a formal gala celebration at The Highlawn, including guest speakers, tribute videos from Cassidy’s family and colleagues, followed by an evening of socializing, dinner, drinks and dancing with the band “The Characters” and a DJ from EP Event Group.
Credit: Karen Ranieri
Day two welcomes Henry Diltz to the podium for a slideshow presentation featuring some of his greatest photos and memories of his friendship with Cassidy. Diltz famously photographed icons from the Woodstock era, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and John Sebastian. He is responsible for countless vinyl album covers for artists including America, the Doors, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, to name a few.
Having been the subject of millions of pictures, Cassidy was most frequently photographed by Diltz and has more album covers credited to the photographer than any other artist.
Diltz first met Cassidy when he was assigned to the set of The Partridge Family to take pictures for Tiger Beat magazine. He went on tour with Cassidy in ’74, and the pair became lifelong friends.
“David was a great guy, and we were great pals,” Diltz shares. “I traveled the world with him, and we had so much fun. His fans loved him so much and I’m excited about this event!”
The David Cassidy Historical Marker Event also has West Orange locals excited. Many remember Cassidy from their elementary school days. In addition to the historical marker and street sign, The Holy Trinity Episcopal church will also hang a permanent photo of Cassidy next to Thomas Edison.
David Cassidy passed away on Nov. 21, 2017 at the age of 67.
For information and tickets, email the event organizers at [email protected] and follow on Facebook at David Cassidy West Orange Historical Marker. Tickets for the gala are available until July 24, 2025.
Do you have a favorite memory of David Cassidy? Share it in the comments below.
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