The West Coast beckoned to him and Jack started to truly establish himself in television. I care about discipline and I think boys need it. (Associated Press) By Randy Lewis. We'd said we wouldn't see each other any more. It has been heartbreaking. Actor. He had 6 gold pinky rings made bearing the crest, and gave one to each of his 4 sons and one to his brother. In December 1974, Cassidy was hospitalized in a psychiatric facility for 48 hours. Discover what happened on this day. I love bass players, and he’s the best.” After Jack, … Received help entering show business from a family member who was a contortionist in the circus. He had been receiving some fairly lucrative movie offers. The actor believed he was broadening his range at the time of his sudden passing. How about this for a case history? While researching his Irish ancestry, he discovered his family's crest. John William "Jack" Casady (born April 13, 1944) is an American bass guitarist, best known as a member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. So in a way I am grateful for them. Yet, in the end, his impact on the entertainment community has been unmistakable - and unforgettable. Daytime TV and talk shows also helped me. I'm looking for something more. During that time I was in 15 different shows, nearly all of them flops. Cassidy returned to his apartment by himself, by which time he was drunk. Michele Montour, Other Works He died when his couch, and subsequently apartment, caught fire after he fell asleep on it with a lit cigarette. |  Jack Casady remembers a prediction that Jorma Kaukonen’s first wife once jokingly made. We toured together and I had a nervous breakdown. Producers think I can't play a tough character, but I can. So I said to her, “I tell you what: You get him in San Francisco, and I’ll get him in L.A.” [Sischy laughs] that was our big plan, and it was perfectly okay at the time. I work fast because of the many years of machination when I try to come up with a performance quickly or otherwise somebody was waiting in the wings to replace me. Worked as a bell hop, counterman, dishwasher, chauffer, clothing salesman, postal clerk, hotel clerk, stable boy, coal and ice truck handler before getting his big break. He was a creative powerhouse who was denied the time necessary to fully express the full spectrum of his talents - some of which are only now revealed through the talent and success of his sons in many facets of the industry. The ocean is a wonderful contradiction of ultimate peace and overwhelming power. They are, from left: Marty Balin, Grace Slick, Spencer Dryden, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12— Jack Cassidy, whose career took him from Broadway musicals to film and television roles, died today in a fire that swept through his penthouse apartment. We had an apartment in New York but I like living in a house. In his 1994 autobiography, C'Mon, Get Happy, Cassidy's eldest son David wrote that he became increasingly concerned about his father in the last years of his life. Despite the brilliance of his career, he had only started to tap into the expanse of his potential. His mother died when he was 10, and he was raised by his alcoholic father in Denver, Colorado.Cassady spent much of his youth either living on the streets of skid row, with his father, or in reform school.. As a youth, Cassady was repeatedly involved in petty crime. A charred body, burned beyond recognition, was found in the doorway of Cassidy's apartment. Mother Charlotte was from Hamburg, Germany. David Cassidy also claimed that his father was bisexual, citing attributed personal accounts and reports, both anecdotal and published, of his father's same-sex affairs, a fact neither he nor his siblings discovered until after Cassidy's death. In 1985, he teamed with Kantner and Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna bassist Jack Casady in the KBC Band, and in 1989 he participated in a reunion album and tour with Jefferson Airplane. Following the end of the war, it was the start of the Baby Boomer years and technology advancements such as the jet engine, nuclear fusion, radar, rocket technology and others later became the starting points for Space Exploration and Improved Air Travel. Also known … Jack Casady Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family John William "Jack" Casady (born April 13, 1944) is an American musician considered one of the foremost bass guitarists of the rock music era and best known as a member of Jefferson Airplane. Jack was the superlative example of the classic leading man with his charisma, dashing grin and sparkling eyes who conducted his life with nothing less than panache and style. Cassidy won the 1964 Tony Award for best featured actor in a musical for his role in She Loves Me and was nominated for two Emmy Awards: in 1968 for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy, for He & She, and 1971 for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for the film The Andersonville Trial (1970). Indeed it was nearly impossible to turn on the television and not see Jack's brilliant smile or hear his infectious laughter. I put a lot of energy and brickwork into it. Christ and the Bible have helped me muddle through the past year. Yet it was his depiction of attorney Otis Baker in "The Andersonville Trial" that again brought him an Emmy nomination and critical acclaim. Grace had joined the band initially “because I wanted to have an affair with bassist Jack Casady. Jefferson Airplane in its 1967 hey-day (left to right): Jack Casady, Jorma Kaukonen, Grace Slick, ... She’s in Los Angeles. Made his Broadway debut at the age of 16 in the chorus of Cole Porter's "Something For The Boys.". His television presence would swell in the 1970s as he became a staple of both dramatic programs and game shows. His own ring helped authorities identify his remains. Jefferson Airplane became the first successful exponent of the San Francisco Sound. The dynamics of their music feels alive in the present and alive on a continuum from the moment the music percolates in their minds to the time it explodes into theatre. The 4th floor penthouse where he died is located at 1221 North Kings Road, West Hollywood. I have no desire to look out into an audience to see if there are any tears. We try to do as many things as we can that keeps up with the children. It was later stolen from his son. They divorced in 1975. It's the vast liquid expanse that makes you feel small. Jack Casady, Soundtrack: Woodstock. There was no time for all of that (Actor's) workshop approach. At that time, Jones found out that he had been previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I tell the boys, I can let you go your own way but that ain't love. If you would like to leave a comment, you can visit the memorial website that Vanessa and the Fur Peace staff set up to honor Diana. Often considered "larger than life" himself - even by co-stars Paula Prentiss and Richard Benjamin - Jack brought life to the character of Oscar North in the 1968 series "He & She" to the delight of both audiences and critics. We want to buy a farm or a ranch where I can grow some produce and probably have some cattle, get drunk every night and listen to the wind. He then dropped the cigarette, which ignited the couch. The role of an Irish immigrant would hit close to home and would be one of his favorites. “RIP Marty Balin, fellow bandmate and music traveler passed last night,” Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady said in a statement. Took singing lessons with Polly Robertson and was mentored by his uncle. The early 1940s were dominated by World War II. It was a life cut short and a life that deserves to be celebrated, - IMDb Mini Biography By: You see, I have been that route. There was a time when an actor friend of mine and I were both starving, waiting for a Broadway break. Jack Casady is part of the Baby boomers generation. Whether it was a brilliant dramatic performance on "Alfred Hitchcock Presents,", "77 Sunset Strip," "Coronet Blue," "Lock Up," "Maverick" or "Wagon Train," a dazzling musical performance on "The Bell Telephone Hour" or "The Gerry Moore Show" or a delightful comedic performance on "Bewitched" or "That Girl" - Jack was finally allowed to showcase his versatility and range to audiences unable to see him set foot on a stage. Jack Casady was born on April 13, 1944 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA. Apart from his having depression, it has been suggested that Jack Cassidy suffered from schizophrenia. In 1955, Jack was cast in a State Department European tour of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical "Oklahoma!" The pair teamed up with guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, bassist Jack Casady, drummer Skip Spence and singer Signe Anderson as the Jefferson Airplane … Marty Balin, far left, with members of Jefferson Airplane - from left, Grace Slick, Spencer Dryden, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady - in 1968. In late 2012, bass legend Jack Casady lost his wife Diana after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Diana Balfour Casady June 11, 1947 - September 08, 2012 Jack would like to thank EVERYONE for their love and support during these very difficult times. After Jack Cassidy died Marty Ingels who later married Jacks ex-wife Shirley Jones took Jack and Shirleys 10 year old son Ryan to the apartment that Jack died in. Jack Casady’s bass, Johnny Winter’s chain necklace and the original plans for the location can be found at a museum on the site of the festival in Bethel, New York. A pioneer of counterculture-era psychedelic rock, the group was the first band from the San Francisco scene to achieve international mainstream success. After Jack Cassidy died Marty Ingels who later married Jacks ex-wife Shirley Jones took Jack and Shirleys 10 year old son Ryan to the apartment that Jack died in. And, of course, there is the longtime collaboration with his close friend Jorma Kaukonen, in Hot Tuna. The actress, who played the 1970s teen hunk's mum in The Partridge Family, has opened up about her in-car sex romps with Cassidy's dad - her husband Jack Cassidy - … His life had also been enriched with his marriage to dancer-choreographer Evelyn Ward in 1948 and the birth of their son David in 1950. Personal Quotes (14) LOS ANGELES -- Jack Casady, the bass player who was one of the founding members of the bands Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, has put one of … His television presence would only grow over the next 20 years reflecting not only his career but his notoriety and prominence in the industry. I'd say the breakup was my fault. Jack Casady, the iconic 1960s bassist, is a fairly shy guy. The two musicians were so inseparable, she said, … His career expanded into the television movie genre with "Your Money or Your Wife," "George M!," "June Moon," and "The Phantom of Hollywood." On the acoustic shows, Jack features a custom acoustic bass guitar built for him by luthier Tom Ribbecke and named “Diana” in honor of his late wife, who died in 2012. Their marriage would be blessed with the births of three sons: Shaun, Patrick and Ryan. According to Cassidy's ex-wife Shirley Jones, on December 11, 1976, Cassidy asked her over for drinks but she declined his invitation. Jack, Jorma and friends, News, tours, video, updates and Jorma's blog, Numerous lessons from Jack, Jorma and more, Diana Balfour Casady June 11, 1947 - September 08, 2012. The youngest of five children born to immigrant parents, Jack Cassidy's story is one of success and inspiration. He graced the stage in several productions before landing his first lead role in "Wish You Were Here" in 1953. Jack Cassidy's film career in the 1970s was filled with wonderful, quirky roles in films such as "Bunny O'Hare" with Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine, the Clint Eastwood action-thriller "The Eiger Sanction", "The Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County" with Mickey Rooney and his brilliant portrayal of the legendary John Barrymore in "W.C. Fields and Me". with a young actress named Shirley Jones. Shirley Jones freely admitted to not being able to deal with Jack's bipolar disorder. The reviews were outstanding and his career started to flourish including the role of Johnny O'Sullivan in "Sandhog." In the early morning hours of December 12, Cassidy lit a cigarette and fell asleep on his Naugahyde couch. Their singles, including "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit", had a more polished style than their other material, and successfully charted in 1967 and 1968. Paul Kantner would become Grace’s third Airplane sleeping partner, and father of her daughter China. Anyway, the ladies love it, and when I tour in a play or musical I do quite well at the box office. His delivery of the classic "trapped in an elevator" routine has never been matched and his superior flair and uproarious comic timing would garner an Emmy nomination in 1969. However, he craved the solid, dramatic roles where he could truly prove his abilities on a larger scale. After that point, Jack's acting talent and rich baritone voice took him from show to show. By Molly Oleson When legendary bass player Jack Casady’s beloved wife Diana passed away after a long battle with cancer, the Hot Tuna bassist went to master luthier Tom Ribbecke's shop in rural wine country in search of a new guitar. His remains were cremated and his ashes are scattered on the Pacific Ocean. In a way I have become a bit of a recluse and loner. Cassidy's second wife Shirley Jones described a similar incident when she found him sitting naked in a corner, reading a book. In her 2013 memoir, Shirley Jones confirms that Cassidy had many same-sex affairs, including one with Cole Porter. Diana worked with Biba of London, the 1960’s fashion boutique, and came to the United States, in the early 70’s to set up Biba’s unique cosmetics in various outlets across the USA. and in 1969 for "Maggie Flynn.". One of the most Tony-nominated musical actors in Broadway history. Jorma invited his old musical partner Jack Casady to come out to San Francisco and play electric bass for The Jefferson Airplane, and together they created much of The Jefferson Airplane’s signature sound. Jack Cassidy, by his own design, defied mere definition from the day he was born in Richmond Hills, New York in 1927 until his tragic death in 1976. Jorma Kaukonen: When I do my thing, whether it’s me solo or me with Jack [Casady], either acoustic or electric, it’s a different beast. That's what's wrong with a lot of kids today; they don't get it. But she insisted Beverly Hills schooling was important for the boys. You're all rank amateurs when it comes to losing. Among them, Dick Van Dyke, Jack Lemmon and Dick Van Patten have counted themselves as admirers of his talent. Casady, along with the other members of Jefferson Airplane, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. But a substantial part of the book is spent on her troubled marriage to the late Jack Cassidy, the glossily handsome actor and singer whom she … But famed Oklahoma actress Shirley Jones has completely shed that image in a new tell-all book, recounting her kinky sex life with husband Marty Ingels and famous ex-Jack Cassidy. I am fascinating on all those programs. An actor, singer, writer, designer - the consummate showman and irrefutable creative entity - his life never followed a simple path nor did it ever lead quite where expected. He then ate dinner alone at an Italian restaurant. Jones said to Cassidy that they had to get ready to do a show, and he calmly looked up and said, "I know now that I'm Christ".[. Jack and Shirley would collaborate in other ways, appearing together on Broadway in "Maggie Flynn" in 1968 (Jack would receive a Tony nomination for his portrayal of "Phineas"), recording a number of albums including "Love From Hollywood" and "Brigadoon" and touring with the nightclub act "The Marriage Band" which was created by Jack and inspired by their relationship. According to David Cassidy, his father refused to encourage him in his own plans for a show business career. By the time he was sixteen, he'd worked fifteen jobs ranging from busboy to dishwasher to ice truck driver. Richmond Hill, Queens, New York City, New York, USA, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour: The Photographer and the Undertaker, View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro.