The David Cassidy Connections

In conversation with compilations producer, Mike Ragogna


Listen Later

Mike Ragogna admits he would never have had a music career had it not been for David Cassidy.

A young obsession with The Partridge Family and especially the music, led to him pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter working with producers Terry Cashman and Tommy West. A number of their songs appear on The Partridge Family catalogue.

Born in New York, Mike's impressive and varied resume includes working for record labels EMI, Universal, BMG and Razor & Tie producing compilations and reissues for hundreds of artists.

As compilations producer at Razor & Tie who reissued The Partridge Family albums on CD, he assembled a David Cassidy collection of his RCA material in 1996, and takes us through the process. He explains:

  • The music publishing concept
  • Examines the prejudice behind David's desire to be accepted as a serious musician
  • Makes a passionate plea explaining the importance of why David's unreleased back catalogue must be put out in a deluxe boxset
  • Why he considers Sound Magazine one of the greatest pop albums of all time
  • Offers an analysis of David's RCA albums The Higher They Climb, Home Is Where The Heart Is, Gettin' It In The Street
  • The genius of lyricist Tony Romeo
  • Recalls his career as a recording artist with The Almost Brothers
  • Relives the first time he heard How Can I Be Sure
  • With great humour, recollects a moment, not knowing how to break the ice when meeting David Cassidy and Donny Osmond in a bathroom

Mike's original songs have featured in various projects including The Roar soundtrack and a Spider-Man release.

He has acted in productions of Hair, South Pacific, Annie and Big River. He featured in a Bruce Springsteen tribute, performed as Bobby Darin in a movie music retrospective, co-produced and added background vocals to the Midwest indie group Control's debut CD.

More details of how David inspired Mike's career can be found in my book, Cherish David Cassidy A Legacy of Love, available on Amazon and bookshops in store or online.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The David Cassidy ConnectionsBy Louise Poynton

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

14 ratings


More shows like The David Cassidy Connections

View all
Trashy Divorces by Hemlock Creatives

Trashy Divorces

2,047 Listeners

Done & Dunne by Hemlock Creatives

Done & Dunne

578 Listeners

Trashy Royals by Hemlock Creatives

Trashy Royals

286 Listeners