DJ Cassidy

Last updated

DJ Cassidy
DJ Cassidy.jpg
Photographed in 2014 by Lyle Owerko
Background information
Birth nameCassidy Podell
Born (1981-06-27) June 27, 1981 (age 43)
New York City
Occupation(s) DJ, record producer, MC
Website www.djcassidy.com

Cassidy Durango Milton Willy Podell (born 1981), known as DJ Cassidy, is an American DJ, record producer and MC. [1] [2]

Contents

With his trademark boaters, cricket sweaters, bow ties, color-blocked tuxedos, and 24-carat-gold microphone, Cassidy became known for his work at celebrity functions, including the 2008 wedding of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama, and President Obama's 50th birthday party. [3] [4] [2]

Early life and education

Born in New York's Upper East Side, Cassidy is the second child of Monica Podell, née Faust, and music agent Jonny Podell. Cassidy's sister, Brittany, was born in 1977. [5] At the time of Cassidy's birth, Jonny Podell was a booking agent for Norby Walters Associates; [6] he became head of music at ICM in 1996. He and Monica Podell separated in 1982. [5]

Interested in deejaying from an early age, Cassidy said he had always been a "hip-hop kid". As a child, he watched dance films such as Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo , and later loved Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa. His tenth birthday present was two turntables and a mixer. [3] He began by working at teenage parties, school carnivals, and talent shows then, from his senior year, in nightclubs. [7]

In 1999 he began his undergraduate studies at George Washington University before transferring to New York University, where he majored in sociology and graduated in 2003. [8] [9]

Performances

Cassidy was discovered by Sean Combs while working the 10–4 night shift at a GQ party in the basement of Lotus, a club in Manhattan. [10] [11] Combs wrote his phone number on a napkin and asked Cassidy to call him, which led Cassidy to work at the 2001 wedding of Jennifer Lopez and Cris Judd, [10] as well as Grammy parties and the MTV Video Music Awards. As of 2011, according to Forbes, Cassidy was performing 200 gigs a year, sometimes earning $100,000 a night. [11] MusicRadar reported in 2014 that he used two CDJ 2000 digital turntables by Pioneer Electronics, a Pioneer DJM-900, in-ear headphones custom-made by JH Audio, and a 24-carat-gold microphone custom-made by Shure. [3]

Known for wearing boaters, cricket sweaters and tuxedos, often in pink and green, [12] Cassidy worked at parties hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour and at the weddings of Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian. [13] [11] After he worked at the opening party in 2009 for Oprah Winfrey's girls' school in South Africa, she recommended him to the Obamas. [14] This led to him working at President Obama's first inauguration ball in 2009, at the president's and Michelle Obama's 50th birthday parties, and at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. [13]

He then performed at the Inauguration of Joe Biden in 2021. In the performance Celebrating America, he performed along with Luis Fonsi and Ozuna. [15] In August 2024, he performed on the second day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, providing music for each state during the roll call of state delegations. [16]

Music

Singles

On Calling All Hearts", Nile Rodgers of Chic played the same guitar as on Chic's "Good Times" and Sister Sledge's "We Are Family". NileRodgers2012.png
On Calling All Hearts", Nile Rodgers of Chic played the same guitar as on Chic's "Good Times" and Sister Sledge's "We Are Family".

Cassidy said in 2013 that he was working on his first album, Paradise Royale, which would capture the architecture of 1978–1982 dance music; he called this "the greatest and most universal dance music of all time". [17] [1] He planned to bring together a 14-piece string section and 22 of the world's most notable musicians from that period. [18] [19] [20] He created an iTunes playlist of 25 songs recorded between 1978 and 1982, then tried to make his music sound like those songs. He realized that the producers had repeatedly used the same musicians. Those are the musicians he sought to recruit. [1]

The first single, "Calling All Hearts", sung by Robin Thicke and Jessie J, was released in the US on iTunes in February 2014. [21] It featured Nile Rodgers on guitar, Verdine White on bass, Philip Bailey on percussion and background vocals, Larry Dunn on keyboards, John "JR" Robinson on drums, and Jerry Hey on horns and strings. The video, with a 13-piece band performing on a pink heart-shaped stage, was directed by Director X and shot in London. [22]

Director X also directed the video for Cassidy's second single, "Make the World Go Round", which was shot on an elevated train in Chicago. Featuring R. Kelly, the single was released in the US in April 2014. [3] [23] On "Calling All Hearts", Nile Rodgers played the same guitar as on Chic's "Good Times" and Sister Sledge's "We Are Family". On "Make the World Go Round", Ndugu Chancler used the same drums as on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean". [3]

Discography

SingleYearChart positions
US
Dance

[24]
BEL
(FL)
(Tip)

[25]
BEL
(WA)
(Tip)

[25]
SCO
[26]
"Calling All Hearts"
(featuring Robin Thicke and Jessie J)
201496147
"Make the World Go Round"
(featuring R. Kelly)
"Future Is Mine"
(featuring Chromeo)
2015
"Kill the Lights"
(with Alex Newell and Jess Glynne, featuring Nile Rodgers) [27]
20161
"Honor"
(featuring Grace and Lil Yachty) [28]
2017

Cassidy's 2014 iTunes playlist

  1. One Way and Alicia Myers, "I Want to Thank You" (MCA, 1981)
  2. Aretha Franklin, "Jump to It" (Arista, 1982)
  3. The Brothers Johnson, "Stomp!" (A&M, 1980)
  4. Central Line, "Walking into Sunshine" (Mercury, 1981)
  5. Chaka Khan and Rufus, "Do You Love What You Feel" (ABC, 1979)
  6. Change, "The Glow of Love" (Warner Bros, 1980)
  7. Cheryl Lynn, "Got to Be Real" (Columbia, 1978)
  8. Diana Ross, "I'm Coming Out" (Motown, 1980)
  9. Earth Wind and Fire, "Let's Groove" (Columbia, 1981)
  10. Evelyn "Champagne" King, "I’m in Love" (RCA, 1981)
  11. First Choice, "Love Thang" (Gold Mind Records, 1979)
  12. George Benson, "Give Me the Night" (Warner Bros, 1980)
  13. GQ, "Disco Nights (Rock-Freak)" (Arista, 1979)
  14. Kool & the Gang, Too Hot" (De-Lite, 1979)
  15. Luther Vandross, "Never Too Much" (Epic, 1981)
  16. Frankie Beverly and Maze, "Before I Let Go" (Capitol, 1981)
  17. Michael Jackson, "Rock with You" (Epic, 1979)
  18. Patrice Rushen, "Forget Me Nots" (Elektra, 1982)
  19. Rick James, "You & I" (Gordy, 1978)
  20. Roberta Flack with Donny Hathaway, "Back Together Again" (Atlantic, 1979)
  21. Shalamar, "The Second Time Around" (Solar, 1979)
  22. Sister Sledge, "We are Family" (Atlantic, 1979)
  23. Stevie Wonder, "Do I Do" (Tamla/Motown, 1982)
  24. Teena Marie, "Square Biz" (Motown, 1981)
  25. Chic, "I Want Your Love" (Atlantic, 1978) [1]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 Matt Munday, "Mr disco: Friend to the Obamas, Beyoncé and Oprah, DJ Cassidy is now cosying up to the sound of the 1970s", The Independent, 9 March 2014.
  2. 1 2 Nicole Berrie, "D.J. Cassidy Celebrates His Birthday with Music's Biggest Names", Vanity Fair, 9 July 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Claire Davis, "All aboard the soul train with DJ Cassidy", MusicRadar, undated 2014.
  4. Brennan Williams, "DJ Cassidy Shares Details On New Album, 'Paradise Royale,' And The Resurgence Of Disco", HuffPost, 10 March 2014.
  5. 1 2 Michael Gross, "Rock 'n' Roll Revival", New York Magazine, 30(26), 14 July 1997, pp. 24, 27 (24–29).
  6. "Births", Billboard, 8 Aug 1981, p. 72.
  7. Lee Hawkins, "Deejay Cassidy: Deejay to the Death Star", Wall Street Journal, 29 November 2011.
  8. "About DJ Cassidy". MTV. Archived from the original on April 23, 2016.
  9. "Cassidy Podell (CAS '03) – World Renowned DJ", NYU Arts and Science Alumni Blog, 29 January 2010.
  10. 1 2 David Crowley, "The Best Man", Oneworld, 8(1-4), 2003, p. 110.
  11. 1 2 3 Zack O'Malley Greenburg, "The Incredible Business of Hip-Hop's Favorite DJ", Forbes, 9 August 2011.
  12. Hilary Hughes, "A Trip to the Tailor with DJ Cassidy", Esquire, 26 August 2013.
  13. 1 2 Cecilia Vega and Eric Johnson, "DJ Cassidy Keeps DNC Rockin': Obama’s Spin Master Behind the Scenes", ABC News, 6 September 2012.
  14. "Oprah Recommended Obama's Inaugural DJ". NBC Washington. July 14, 2009. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  15. Luis Fons and Ozuna, "Luis Fonsi, Ozuna & DJ Cassidy Bring the Latinx Vibes With Hit Songs During Biden Inauguration Special", Entertainment Tonight, 20 January 2021.
  16. "Who is DJ Cassidy, the Californian who led that great (and strange) DNC playlist?". Los Angeles Times. August 21, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  17. John D. Luerssen, "DJ Cassidy Salutes Classic Dance Music – Premiere", Rolling Stone, 16 December 2013.
  18. "Bio", djcassidy.com.
  19. Gary Graff, "DJ Cassidy's 'Paradise Royale' Album Unites R&B Dance Legends With Newer Stars", Billboard, 16 January 2014.
  20. "DJ Cassidy Enlists R. Kelly, Usher, & Kelly Rowland for ‘Paradise Royale’", Rap-Up, accessed 11 March 2014.
  21. "Calling All Hearts (feat. Robin Thicke & Jessie J) - Single", iTunes.
  22. "DJ Cassidy – Calling All Hearts, ft. Robin Thicke, Jessie J", YouTube; "Music videos" Archived March 13, 2014, at the Wayback Machine , directorxfilms, accessed 14 March 2015.
  23. Edwin Ortitz, "DJ Cassidy Links Up With R. Kelly on His Groovy New Single 'Make the World Go Round'", Complex, 27 March 2014.
  24. "DJ Cassidy Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  25. 1 2 "DJ Cassidy feat. Robin Thicke & Jessie J – Calling All Hearts". ultratop.be. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  26. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  27. "Audien Remixes DJ Cassidy's 'Kill the Lights,' Feat. Alex Newell, Jess Glynne & Nile Rodgers: Exclusive Premiere". Billboard. April 4, 2016.
  28. "Honor (single)". iTunes Australia.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disco</span> Music genre

Disco is a genre of dance music and a subculture that emerged in the late 1960s from the United States' urban nightlife scene. Its sound is typified by four-on-the-floor beats, syncopated basslines, string sections, brass and horns, electric piano, synthesizers, and electric rhythm guitars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diana Ross</span> American singer (born 1944)

Diana Ross is an American singer and actress. She was the lead singer of the vocal group the Supremes, who became Motown's most successful act during the 1960s and one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. They remain the best-charting female group in history, with a total of 12 number-one pop singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, including "Where Did Our Love Go", "Baby Love", "Come See About Me", "Stop! In the Name of Love", "You Keep Me Hangin' On", and "Love Child".

Casablanca Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group and operated under Republic Records. Under its founder Neil Bogart, Casablanca was most successful during the disco era of the mid to late 1970s. The label currently focuses on dance and electronic music under the direction of Brett Alperowitz.

Eldra "El" Patrick DeBarge is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He was the focal point and primary lead singer of the family group DeBarge. Popular songs led by El DeBarge include "Time Will Reveal", "Who's Holding Donna Now", "Stay with Me", "All This Love", and "Rhythm of the Night".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Director X</span> Canadian music video director and producer

Julien Christian Lutz, known professionally as Director X, is a Canadian music video director. A protégé of fellow director Hype Williams, Lutz has been credited for directing over a hundred music videos for numerous high-profile artists spanning various genres since 1998, including Jay-Z, Drake, Future, John Mayer, Kanye West, DJ Khaled, Usher, Ice Cube, Fabolous, Mystikal and Akon, among others. In film, he directed the crime thriller Superfly in 2018, which saw mixed reception. In television, he created the short-lived action drama Robyn Hood in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin Thicke</span> American singer, songwriter, and record producer

Robin Alan Thicke is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his 2013 hit single "Blurred Lines", which is one of the best-selling singles of all time. At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, he received two nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Jackson Jr.</span> Musical artist (born 1959)

Paul Milton Jackson Jr. is an American fusion/urban jazz composer, arranger, producer and guitarist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taylor James</span> Musical artist

Taylor Austin James, better known as DJ Tay James, is an American DJ and MC. He was signed to Unruly Records in 2005, and after several years playing clubs in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore area began touring as Justin Bieber's DJ and MC in 2009. He has released a number of mixtapes, and as of 2012 is a radio DJ on WPGC-FM. DJ Tay James was named HBCU Top 30 Under 30, in July 2014

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin Thicke discography</span>

The discography of American singer Robin Thicke consists of 8 studio albums, 30 singles and 23 music videos. Thicke signed his first recording contract with Interscope Records as a teenager and found success as a songwriter, before he began concentrating on his career as a performer. In 2000, Thicke started recording his debut album, A Beautiful World, which was released in April 2003. The album debuted at number 152 on the US Billboard 200, selling 119,000 copies. The record also peaked at number 36 on the Mega Album Top 100 in the Netherlands. Two singles were released from the album; the first, "When I Get You Alone" became a top ten hit in the Netherlands and New Zealand. That single also peaked at number 17 in Australia and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). In 2006, Thicke released his second studio album The Evolution of Robin Thicke. The record debuted at number 5 on the US Billboard 200, topped it on the Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and became a certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album also charted in France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The Evolution of Robin Thicke produced four singles, all of which charted on the Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. "Lost Without U" became one of his biggest hits, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spending 11 weeks atop the Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

This article lists the complete discography of Steve Lukather.

James Edward Gadson is an American drummer and session musician. Beginning his career in the late 1960s, Gadson has since become one of the most-recorded drummers in the history of R&B. He is also a singer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franne Golde</span> American singer

Francine Vicki Golde, better known as Franne Golde or Frannie Golde, is an American songwriter, musician, singer and writer. Her songs have appeared on more than 100 million records sold worldwide. Golde has received BMI awards for singles with The Pussycat Dolls "Stickwitu", Randy Travis's "A Man Ain't Made of Stone", The Kinleys' "Somebody's Out There Watching" from the Touched by an Angel soundtrack, Selena's "Dreaming of You", Jody Watley's "Don't You Want Me" and "Nightshift" by the Commodores, which also won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group and received a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. Most recently, Golde was nominated to The Songwriter's Hall Of Fame and Bruce Springsteen covered Nightshift on his Only The Strong Survive album. She started her own clothing line known for creating "The Perfect Black Pant" in August 2016.

The 2007 Soul Train Music Awards were held on March 10, 2007 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California and it was hosted by LeToya Luckett and Omarion. The awards ceremony was televised on March 17 and 24 on cable TV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessie J discography</span>

English singer Jessie J has released five studio albums, one extended play, nineteen singles, twenty-one music videos, and five promotional singles.

DJ Drew G is an American-born DJ and music producer in Houston, as well as a reporter for DJ news Magazine and Billboard Magazine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want It All (Karmin song)</span> Song by Karmin

"I Want It All" is a song by American music duo Karmin. It was released on January 28, 2014, as the second single from their debut studio album, Pulses (2014). The single was written by group members Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan, and songwriter Ester Dean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calling All Hearts (song)</span> 2014 single by DJ Cassidy

"Calling All Hearts" is a song by American producer DJ Cassidy, featuring vocals from American singer-songwriter, musician and actor Robin Thicke, and English singer-songwriter Jessie J. The track was written by Cassidy Podell, Jessica Cornish, Claude Kelly and Gregory Cohen. It was released in the United States in February 2014 and in the United Kingdom on 20 April 2014 as a digital download. The song has charted in Belgium.

The Blurred Lines Tour was the debut headlining tour by American recording artist, Robin Thicke. The tour supported his sixth studio album, Blurred Lines (2013). The tour traveled to North America and Europe, playing over 30 concerts.

Joe Chemay is an American bassist and background singer, known for his recording session work.