The Enduring Echo of a Cherished Sentiment
The delicate, heartfelt strains of David Cassidy’s “Cherish” resonate through the decades, a poignant reminder of youthful ardor and the tender complexities of nascent love. Released in October 1971 as his debut solo single, this captivating cover of The Association’s 1966 hit swiftly ascended the charts, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and claiming the number 1 spot on the Adult Contemporary chart in December 1971. In the United Kingdom, where The Partridge Family was just beginning to capture hearts, “Cherish” was released as a double A-side with “Could It Be Forever” in March 1972, quickly climbing to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The single’s success presaged the triumphant release of his debut solo album, also titled Cherish, in early 1972. The album itself mirrored the single’s success, reaching number 15 on the U.S. charts and remaining for 23 weeks, while in Britain, it peaked at number 2 and stayed in the Top 40 for a remarkable 43 weeks. This marked the beginning of a three-year period where Cassidy transitioned from a beloved television star to a pre-eminent teen idol and one of the biggest record-sellers in the U.K. and Australia, even as his U.S. sales experienced a slight decline.
The decision to release “Cherish” as David Cassidy’s inaugural solo venture was a strategic move by The Partridge Family musical producer, Wes Farrell. Farrell sought a song that would be instantly recognizable to audiences yet hadn’t been widely covered, aiming to break Cassidy out as a solo artist with material distinct from his television persona. The album Cherish was recorded in the latter half of 1971, employing much of the same talented cadre of musicians and technicians who had contributed to The Partridge Family’s recordings, including legendary Wrecking Crew stalwarts like Hal Blaine on drums, Larry Carlton on guitar, Joe Osborne on bass, and Larry Knechtel on keyboards. However, the objective was to cultivate a more mature and personal sound for Cassidy, allowing him to explore lyrical themes beyond the confines of his television role.
While the original “Cherish” by The Association speaks of a love so profound it is held in sacred regard, David Cassidy’s rendition infuses it with a youthful earnestness, a yearning that was deeply relatable to his burgeoning fanbase. The lyrical simplicity of “Cherish is the word I use to describe / All the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside” takes on a particular resonance when delivered by a voice that was, for many, the very embodiment of adolescent dreams and first crushes. Cassidy’s vocal performance, imbued with a gentle sincerity, transformed the song into an anthem of innocent devotion. It wasn’t merely a pop song; it became a conduit for the unspoken emotions of millions of young admirers. For teenagers in the early 1970s, David Cassidy’s voice often felt as though it were singing directly to them, providing comfort and companionship in their poster-covered bedrooms as they navigated the complexities of their own burgeoning feelings. This emotional connection transcended mere fandom; for many, Cassidy’s presence and music provided solace and happiness during their formative years. The song, and indeed the entire Cherish album, offered a more personal glimpse into the artist, featuring songs like “Ricky’s Tune,” a poignant ballad penned by Cassidy himself for his ailing dog, showcasing a maturity that was often overlooked amidst the teen idol frenzy. “Cherish” thus became more than just a hit; it became a shared secret, a whispered promise between an artist and his audience, solidifying David Cassidy’s place not just as a singer, but as a cherished companion in the emotional landscape of a generation.