George Cassidy, (born 7 September 1936) was a Northern Irish jazz musician and music teacher from Belfast, Northern Ireland.[1] He played the tenor saxophone, and taught Van Morrison how to play the tenor saxophone, as well as teaching him music reading lessons.[2][3] Playing the saxophone as his specialty, Cassidy also played the Hawaiian Guitar and Clarinet. Cassidy played in a beat band in Belfast, as well as The Regal Band.[4]
History[]
Early life and an introduction to music[]
George Cassidy was born on the 7th of September 1936 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Growing up, George Cassidy lived on Hyndford Street, East Belfast, where Van Morrison also grew up and became best friends with him.[5][6] George took inspiration from various artists, such as Matt Monro, who he met in Glasgow. George Cassidy, playing the saxophone joined a Beat Band in Belfast. Cassidy also played in a band known as the Regal Band. They were known for their unique style, energy and charisma. When he played in The Regal, they would occasionally perform pop songs of the time and Beat Music, which was extremely popular at the time (1960s). Songs included "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles. George's brand of choice for saxophone was Selmer.
George Cassidy had played a significant role in the early career of the legendary musician Van Morrison.[7] Their friendship and collaboration had a profound impact on Morrison's development as an artist.[8] Van Morrison: “At 15, I was taking lessons from a guy called George Cassidy, who lived in the same street. He was a great jazz player. He had the chops. ~ When I started studying tenor saxophone as a kid in Belfast, I did so with a guy named George Cassidy, who was also a big inspiration."[9][10]
The Regal Band and legacy[]
Cassidy performed in various charitable, community, historic and remembrance events throughout Northern Ireland. Cassidy with The Regal performed a number of times at The Grand Opera House, supporting act for Donald Peers and Nancy Whiskey.[11][12][13][14]
Examples of songs performed by The Regal include Yellow Submarine, When the Saints go marching in, Hokey Pokey, and Lily of Laguna. These performances made them very popular in areas around Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Derry. They performed as various community and charity events, in November 1987, they performed to support BBC Children in Need at the Lisburn Leisure Centre.[15]
In September 1970, George Magill, conductor of The Regal Band arranged for their performance in regards to the Championship bands contest, at UEFA European Cup Winners' Cup tie between Linfield FC and Manchester City.[16][17] Being a staple on remembrance day events, The Regal Band led, alongside Donegall Pass Flute Band on Remembrance Day, 11th November 1972. Wreath laying ceremony and sounding of the Last Post.[18][19]
In August 1985, The Regal Band gave their recitals at the Donaghadee Young Defenders band contest during the towns Festival Week, showing their "marvellous brand of music - marvellous sound from a multitude of different instruments". Following the contest, The Regal were presented with an award, amidst the applause the crowds and other bands taking part.[20][21]
George passed away on 28 May 2023, he is buried at Roselawn Cemetery.[22] Cassidy's contributions to the music scene extended beyond his mentorship of Morrison. He was a talented musician in his own right, performing with various bands and contributing to the vibrant music culture of Belfast. His legacy lives on through the local culture and people around him in Belfast.
Personal life[]
George was a member of Unite The Union and a freemason.[23] He also worked in the Coal Quay, at the docks of central Belfast - Queen's Quay.
Cassidy married, and moved from Hyndford Street to Dundonald. Cassidy enjoyed Horse Racing, and frequented the Canberra Bar, Monico and The Raven Social Club. His drink of choice was Guinness and Demerara Rum.
See also[]
- Beat music
- Main Page
- https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
- Video of Regal Band, Black Saturday - Black Parade, 2006
- Video of Regal Band, Groomsport 1989
References[]
- ↑ Rogan, Johnny. Van Morrison: No Surrender. United Kingdom, Vintage, 2006.
- ↑ Clinton, Heylin. Van Morrison. Italy, Arcana, 2010.
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Cassidy
- ↑ https://www.newsletter.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/retro/bygone-days-of-yore-1845-very-mention-of-twelfth-helps-make-the-heart-beat-faster-2894649
- ↑ https://discoverbrighton.org/van-morrison/
- ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/van-morrison-interview-keep-er-lit-book-lyrics-release-date-albums-a9435686.html
- ↑ Heylin, Clinton. Can You Feel the Silence?. United Kingdom, Penguin Books, Limited, 2002.
- ↑ # Collis, John. Van Morrison: Inarticulate Speech of the Heart. United States, Hachette Books, 1997.
- ↑ https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/van-morrison-on-his-musical-memories-and-what-he-sings-when-hes-washing-his-hands/39092301.html
- ↑ https://quotefancy.com/quote/1334817/Van-Morrison-When-I-started-studying-tenor-saxophone-as-a-kid-in-Belfast-I-did-so-with-a
- ↑ https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19600322/100/0007
- ↑ Belfast Telegraph - Tuesday 22 March 1960
- ↑ https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004162/19600319/031/0002
- ↑ https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002318/19600321/271/0009
- ↑ Ulster Star - Friday 27 November 1987
- ↑ Ireland's Saturday Night - Saturday 26 September 1970
- ↑ https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004162/19700926/082/0006
- ↑ Belfast News-Letter - Saturday 11 November 1972
- ↑ https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0005119/19721111/413/0007
- ↑ Ulster Star - Friday 16 August 1985
- ↑ https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0005353/19850816/227/0023
- ↑ https://www.funeraltimes.com/georgecassidy84673923
- ↑ http://www.irish-tokens.co.uk/masonic%20by%20number.htm