Born into a prominent show business family, Shaun Cassidy is the son of actors Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy. The actor began his career as a musician and released his debut self-titled album, Shaun Cassidy, which achieved massive success and spawned several hit singles, including “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll,” thus transforming him into a teen idol with a large fan following. Following the success of his debut album, the 64-year-old continued to release music throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, creating several other hit songs, such as “Hey Deanie,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” and “Break for the Street.”
However, Cassidy’s popularity gradually waned during his twenties; thus, he shifted his focus to acting, starring in various television series and made-for-TV movies, including Breaking Away and Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. He also transitioned into writing and producing for television and holds credit for the popular TV series American Gothic and Roar.
The actor speaks about his exit from music and his new musical show
The 64-year-old is making a comeback to the music arena with his latest show, The Enchantment of a Midnight Sky, which will debut at the renowned 54 Below club in New York City on June 21. Cassidy recently reflected on the decline of his musical career, which took a nosedive in the ’90s. “I have a weird career,” he admitted. “I had a very explosive first act and then at 21, went into hiding. And I don’t know what inspired that other than I think I was not necessarily wanting to continue on the path of a performer.”
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The singer stated that he decided to start his new show so as to reunite himself with his passion. “I missed that connection because I’d been hiding out behind a desk or in my house, trying not to be a celebrity, not to look like the kid I had been,” Cassidy added. “And I realized I was denying myself not only an important part of who I am but a connection with this audience and an experience that was really left unfinished.”
Shaun Cassidy claims his new show is aimed at giving the audience a glimpse into his life and struggles
Cassidy revealed that The Enchantment of a Midnight Sky will provide the audience with a glimpse into his personal life and childhood experiences. “My show’s a survival story, and it’s really fun, and it’s funny,” he stated. “Surprisingly funny, I think. And it’s sexy, and it’s romantic, and it’s emotional, and it’s revealing, and it has been incredibly illuminating for me to go through this process. Something I never thought I’d do again.”
He further explained that he has held on to his story for a long time. “For 30 years, I’ve been avoiding telling my own story. I’ve written about myself and my family in every show I’ve ever worked on, but I’ve disguised them,” he admitted. “Working on this opened a door to actually talk directly about myself and my family, and it’s been really illuminating and freeing.”