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 music reading lessons.[2][3][4] Cassidy played as lead saxophonist in a band known as the The Regal Accordion and Saxophone Band.[5] Cassidy, who specialized in the saxophone, also played the Clarinet and Hawaiian Guitar.
History[]
Early life and introduction to music[]
Growing up, George Cassidy lived on Hyndford Street, East Belfast, where Van Morrison also grew up and the pair became best friends.[6] George took inspiration from various artists, such as Matt Monro. 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 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][11]
The Regal Band and legacy[]
Cassidy performed in various charitable, community, historic and remembrance events throughout Northern Ireland. Aside from the centrepiece instruments - accordion and saxophone, the band also had trumpet players, and in percussion - snare drum, clash cymbals and bass drum.[12][13] Cassidy with The Regal performed a number of times at The Grand Opera House, supporting act for Donald Peers and Nancy Whiskey in 1960.[14][15][16][17]
The band picked up songs outside of the staples of unionism, like pop songs, and folk tunes. 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.[18]
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.[19][20] 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.[21][22]
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.[23][24]
The Regal disbanded in the 2010s.
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. Cassidy's legacy lives on through his influence on Morrison and his input to the Belfast music scene.
Personal life[]
George was a member of Unite The Union and a freemason.[25]
Cassidy married, and resided in Dundonald after moving on from his childhood home on Hyndford Street. Cassidy also worked in the Coal Quay, at the docks Belfast. Cassidy enjoyed Horse Racing, and frequented the Canberra Bar, Monico and The Raven Social Club.
See also[]
- Jazz
- List of people from Northern Ireland
- https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
- Video of Regal Band, Groomsport 1989
- Video of Regal Band, Black Saturday - Black Parade, 2006
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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Morrison
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Heylin, Clinton. Can You Feel the Silence?. United Kingdom, Penguin Books, Limited, 2002.
- ↑ https://discoverbrighton.org/van-morrison/
- ↑ # 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://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/van_morrison_312311
- ↑ https://quotefancy.com/quote/1334817/Van-Morrison-When-I-started-studying-tenor-saxophone-as-a-kid-in-Belfast-I-did-so-with-a
- ↑ Belfast Telegraph - Thursday 03 October 1974
- ↑ Lisburn Standard - Friday 30 May 1958
- ↑ 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
- ↑ http://www.irish-tokens.co.uk/masonic%20by%20number.htm