A big thanks to all of you for supporting the event at the HOF on Tuesday. The experience is something I will always remember. Thanks to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for hosting the event and believing in "When We're Singin'". We are lucky to have such an international landmark in our own back yard. Special thanks to all the David Cassidy and Partridge Family fans who turned out, and especially to my friends and family. Got Happy. :)
Wrecking Crew
Author Series Event announced, ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, August 29th!
70s Music, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Shirley Jones, Danny Bonaduce, Susan Dey1 Comment
Come check out WHEN WE'RE SINGIN' and meet the author at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio has announced WHEN WE'RE SINGIN' as part of their Author Series program. On Tuesday evening, August 29th at 7PM I will be doing a Keynote presentation about The Partridge Family and WHEN WE'RE SINGIN', with a Q & A and book signing to follow. The presentation will include behind the scenes photos of The Partridge Family cast and many others who worked on the show and the music. The evening's events are scheduled from 7-9PM, with doors opening at 6:30PM. This special Author Series event will take place at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives, 2809 Woodland Avenue, Cleveland, OH. (Reading Room) The event is free with a Reservation. Simply RSVP at ticketing.rockhall.com Here's the direct link: https://www.rockhall.com/author-series-johnny-ray-miller
Hope to see some of you there! - Johnny
Interview with Stan Turner, KLBB Radio, St. Paul/Minneapolis, July 27th at 1PM!
70s Music, David CassidyCommentThe Partridge bus is gassing up again! I'll be doing a radio interview tomorrow, July 26 with Stan Turner on KLBB Radio out of St. Paul/Minneapolis. (and I have some exciting news to share, too!) Hope some of you can tune in :) I'll be on from 1:00PM - 1:30PM (CENTRAL TIME!) on their afternoon show called "The Wolf Brewing Company All Request Show with Stan Turner and Bobby J." Check out the station @KLBBRadio.com http://klbbradio.com/wolfbrewingallrequest.aspx
BOOK SIGNING, MAY 13, 2-4PM AT HALF PRICE BOOKS, MONROEVILLE, PA
70s Music, Partridge Family, Shirley Jones, Susan DeyCommentI'll be at HALF PRICE BOOKS for a book signing this Saturday May 13 from 2-4PM at the Monroeville, PA location. Full address: 3757 William Penn Highway, Monroeville PA 15146. Hope to see some of you Pittsburghers!
THE BUS TOUR - A SCHEDULE OF BOOK SIGNINGS!
70s Music, Wrecking Crew, Partridge Family Music, David CassidyCommentReady for the bus tour?
Here is a list of locations and dates for upcoming Author events and book signings! The bus ticket is free! Come along for the ride!!
APRIL 22, Half Price Books, 1607 Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124, In-store book signing, 1PM - 3PM
APRIL 29, Muggswigz Coffee and Tea Co., Lake Cable, 5854 Fulton Rd. NW, Canton, OH, 44718, In-store book signing 10AM – 2PM
APRIL 29, Barnes & Noble, 4015 Medina Road, Akron, OH 44333, In-store book signing 3PM - 5PM
MAY 6, Muggswigz Coffee and Tea Co., Portage Lakes, 3452 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319, In-store book signing 10AM to 2PM.
MAY 13, Half Price Books, 4000 Oxford Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102, In-store book signing, 2pm – 4pm
MAY 20, Muggswigz Coffee and Tea Co., 137 Walnut Ave. NW, Canton, OH, 44702, In-store book signing 10am – 2pm
JUNE 2, Carpe Diem Coffee Shop, 215 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702. In-store book signing 6pm – 9pm
JUNE 10, Barnes & Noble, 7900 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060, In-store book signing 2pm – 5pm
SEPTEMBER 9, Geauga County Library -Middlefield Branch, 15982 East High Street, Middlefield, OH 44062, Video presentation, talk and book signing 2PM
SEPTEMBER 14, 15, 16, Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention, PO Box 52, Whiteford, MD 21160, Video Presentation, talk and book signing
OCTOBER 7, Passages & Prose Literary event (Book Festival), 20th Century Club, Oakland, PA Presentation and book signing Time: TBA
OCTOBER 11, Geauga County Library – Chardon Branch, 110 East Park Street, Chardon, OH 44024, Slide show, talk and book signing 7PM
NOVEMBER 12, Geauga County Library – Bainbridge Branch, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, Slide show, talk and book signing, 2PM
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Library & Archives, 2809 Woodland Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, Author event, presentation and book signing *Date and Time TBA
FIRST BOOK SINGING with HALF PRICE BOOKS, Saturday, April 22, Mayfield Heights OH!
70s Music, Partridge Family Music, Shirley Jones, Wrecking Crew, David CassidyCommentI hope to see some of you from the Cleveland/Akron/Canton area this coming Saturday, April 22! It will be my first book signing with HALF PRICE BOOKS, one of my favorite book stores! They have all kinds of things at this store, from books to CD's, to DVDs and vinyl! I'll be signing books from 1-3PM. Half Price Books, 1607 Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124.
Feature Story in Canton Repository! Book Signings to follow!
70s Music, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Wrecking CrewComment
The Canton Repository featured an article and photo spread promoting "When We're Singin'" yesterday in the April 13th issue, placing the Partridge Family on the cover of the entertainment section, the Ticket! Great to see the Partridge Family on covers again, isn't it?! Book signings with the author will follow, beginning tomorrow, Saturday April 15th at Karma Café, 4339 Dressler Road, NW,Canton, OH 44718 from 10AM - 2PM. Another book signing will follow again Tuesday, April 18 at the Karma Café-- same Partridge-Time Same Partridge-Location! Books are also available for purchase NOW at Karma Café! See you there!
See the electronic version, with different photos!
Happy Birthday, David.....and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
1970s, 70s Music, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Partridge Family TV ShowComment
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID...and Thanks! Today is David Cassidy's 67th Birthday. And if you think that's old, then think about how old we are as fans! ha! Here are a few shots backstage with David and the book at his Feb. 18th concert. Hey, David--a million times a billion thank-yous for your support. And above all....happy, happy Birthday!
BOOK SIGNING WITH HALF PRICE BOOKS, MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OH!
1970s, 70s Music, Partridge Family, David CassidyCommentHey friends, exciting news... I'll be doing several book signings for "When We're Singin' " in the coming months with national book store chains including Barnes & Noble and Half Price Books! The first one on the schedule is at Half Price Books in Mayfield Heights, OH on Saturday, April 22, from 1-3PM. If you've never been, check it out! The store specializes in books AND music, with shelves and shelves of books, CD's and vinyl on their shelves! Hope to see some of you that day! Exact address: Half Price Books, 1607 Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, 44124. More to come as the bus rolls out of the winter ice into the spring mud! :)
Half Price Books, Mayfield Heights, Ohio
DANNY BONADUCE Tweets support today for WHEN WE'RE SINGIN'!!
Brian Forster, 70s Music, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Wrecking Crew, Danny Bonaduce, Shirley Jones, Susan DeyComment
Hey gang!
DANNY BONADUCE tweeted this pic, along with a great comment about the book!
Read his tweet: "Just received my copy of a great new book about The Partridge Family. It's 467 pages. I had no idea we were this important."
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER, EVERYONE! TWEET, RE-TWEET AND SPREAD THE NEWS!!! :) Come on get REALLY happy!!!
Lisa Forster Battles Aggressive Cancer
1970s, Brian Forster, David Cassidy, Partridge Family, Wrecking Crew2 Comments
Lisa Forster, Brian's wife, has been struck with an aggressive cancer. A good friend of theirs has begun a "Gofundme" campaign to help with expenses. Brian was (and is) a HUGE supporter of "When We're Singin' " and it saddens me deeply to hear of this. Please do whatever you can to help. The family is staying strong and optimistic. Please pass this information and link on to all the PF fans and message boards to help get the word out and rally support. Thanks all.
Together We're Better...
BOOK SIGNING - BRANCH STREET COFFEE ROASTERS, Boardman, OH
70s Music, David Cassidy, David Cassidy Concerts, Partridge Family, Partridge Family TV Show, Wrecking CrewCommentHey All! HAPPY NEW YEAR! And we're off and running...The next book signing for "When We're Singin' " will be held this weekend, Saturday, January 7, from 10AM to 2PM at Branch Street Coffee in Boardman! Hope to see some of you from the Youngstown and Columbiana County area! :) Exact Address: BRANCH STREET COFFEE ROASTERS, 1393 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman, OH, 44512.
The Final Countdown!
1970s, David Cassidy, Kickstarter, Partridge Family Music, Partridge Family TV ShowCommentHi gang!
I'm ready to begin the final countdown with all of you, as we are now getting very close to the actual release date!
Some updates for you:
While the photo section has been done, the actual layout of the book, the design, was done in early June. BUT...
...we ended up about 50 pages over budget. So I have spent countless hours with our amazing editor, Donna Spencer, determining what we can do to bring the page count down a bit. After long discussions, rather than sacrificing pertinent information contained in the extra pages (which would have needed to be cut in order to fit), our designer is going to reformat the book, and lay it out all over again for the second time. I suspect this process will take about a week. Donna will be working on final edits this coming week before it goes to the designer.
I'm going to begin sharing with you, a countdown to release, because I think it will be fun to share the excitement of the book's arrival, together. I know it has been six months longer than originally anticipated, but rest assured that the reasons lay in the careful focus on detail and content.
I will be back with you at least weekly from now until release, if not more frequently.
On another note, all backers have all been listed on the website as funders of this project, and I sent out a survey over a month ago through the Kickstarter update program asking for any corrections to your names, spellings, things like that. There are still several people who haven't responded, so if you are a backer, would you please go to the backer list on this site and take a look at your names and make sure it is listed to your satisfactory. Any further edits have to be submitted by Tuesday of this week if we are going to make them. You can email me at JohnnyRayMiller1@gmail.com.
Thanks again for your patience. I'll be back very shortly with a countdown of events!
John
IT'S ALMOST TIME!!
1970s, 70s Music, Cassidy Concerts, David Cassidy, Partridge FamilyCommentHi 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
Meet Debbie Daum, Grand Prize Recipient!
70s Music, Partridge Family, David CassidyCommentDuring 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.
'HOP ON THE BUS' for a 10-Day Partridge Family Bus Ride!
1970s, 70s Music, Announcements, David Cassidy, Kickstarter, Musicians, Partridge Family Bus, Partridge Family Music, Partridge Family TV Show, Screen Gems Records, David Cassidy ConcertsComment
We have ten days left, gang, to reach our funding goal and publish the new book, "When We're Singin' - The Partridge Family and Their Music." And it is up to YOU to make it happen!
If you have been waiting for the perfect time to get on the bus, that time is NOW! Don't wait one more second! It is you, the fans, who will make this happen.
In the past 20 days we have welcomed backers from all walks of life. We have life-long fans, casual fans, fan club presidents, doctors, lawyers, nurses, journalists, musicians, teachers, and even college professors! We have fans backing us from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia, the U.K., New Zealand and more!
We have businesses who have backed us and reputable music industry professionals, too! Denny Tedesco, filmmaker of the Award-Winning "Wrecking Crew" documentary has said "YES!" Beverly Weinstein, former V.P. at Bell Records has said "YES!" The prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, Library and Archives has said "YES!" That means they have pledged to this campaign! It is now your turn to speak.
In the past few months, hundreds of David Cassidy fans (including myself) have signed a petition to get David recognized by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And now, the HOF has said 'YES" to the publication of "When We're Singin' - The Partridge Family and Their Music." How are YOU going to respond? They have told me specifically that they want this book on their shelves in The HOF Museum, Library and Archives. Now we must answer back! Let's give them the biggest, resounding, David Cassidy-ear-splitting "YES!"
As Partridge Family fans, we have all wanted a book like this for many, many years. Now it is finally possible. Click the link below and get on the bus! That door is open! If all you want it is to pre-order the book, simply choose the $30 reward package. There is a host of rewards items, too, that you can pick from! We can even custom build a package for you if you find certain things of interest packaged in multiple rewards categories. Just ask! But don't wait one more second! We must bring in enough pre-sales through this campaign to meet the funding goal for publication.
Let's have that 45th anniversary Partridge Family celebration right on top of that dear old bus! All of us.... together......havin' a ball........"YES?" LET'S DO IT!!
Let the Countdown begin: "TEN!"
24 Hour Offer--Get Ron Hicklin's Hand-Written Session Notes!
1970s, 70s Music, Announcements, Cassidy Concerts, David Cassidy, Kickstarter, Partridge Family Music, Musicians, Partridge Family TV Show, Screen Gems Records, Wrecking Crew1 CommentRon 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!
1970s, 70s Music, Announcements, Cassidy Concerts, David Cassidy, Kickstarter, Partridge Family Music, Partridge Family TV Show, pop bands, Wrecking Crew, MusiciansCommentThe 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
A Story Behind a Song...
1970s, 70s Music, Announcements, Cassidy Concerts, Celebrity photographers, David Cassidy, Kickstarter, Partridge Family Music, Partridge Family TV Show, Teen MagazinesCommentDo 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'!
When We're Singin' Web Site Launched - Kickstarter Soon To Follow!
AnnouncementsCommentCampaign to launch on KICKSTARTER.COM on MAY 1, 2015
Well, as you already know--by virtue of reading this blog message, the When We're Singin' site is live. Coming next will be our campaign on KICKSTARTER.COM to fund the publication of the book!
KICKSTARTER.COM has become revolutionary in today's world, funding independent films, starting new business ventures, and yes, getting books published! In fact, many within the publishing industry say that KICKSTARTER is changing the way the entire publishing industry operates.
If you would like to have this book as part of your Partridge Family collection, book collection, or music collection in general, we hope you will join us for the exciting 30 days on KICKSTARTER.COM in our attempt to get it published. But remember--we only have 30 days! KICKSTARTER'S model is "all-or-nothing." So the funding goal must be reached within 30 days, or the campaign is null and void and all the pledges are cancelled.
In the coming weeks, watch for updates on our KICKSTARTER page as we get ready to launch! Check out our live countdown clock on the home page so you know exactly how many days there are left until the launch!
And there's more!
We have a ton of cool, rewards and premiums that will be available!
On KICKSTARTER.COM You will be able to view our list of premium rewards that will be available to donors at every level! We have tons of exciting items for you to peruse! It promises to be loads of fun for Partridge Family and David Cassidy fans worldwide! We will be previewing it in the days to come! And tell all your friends and family about it! Crowd-funding is the name of the game!
Fans of the Partridge Family, David Cassidy, and pop music from the 70s in general can rejoice in that an exciting new book is ready for the shelves, showcasing the music of The Partridge Family, as well as the hit ABC-TV show.
Let's get everyone we can on the bus!
Stay tuned to this blog for more updates and breaking news! And be sure you are signed up on the subscriber list--you will get updates automatically delivered to your email or phone! Stay tuned!
-Johnny Ray Miller and the team!