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I Was a Teenage Heartthrob

David Cassidy

Duration: 56 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Radio 2Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 2

In tribute to the late David Cassidy, another chance to hear Nina Myskow interview the erstwhile teen heartthrob. Featuring archive clips and hits from the era.

Originally broadcast as two lively slices of pop and social history exploring the careers of David and Donny Osmond, Nina examined the lives of the friendly rivals who became the poster boys of 70s pop, with vivid illustration from archive radio footage and the hits of that extraordinary era. The first idol in the spotlight is David Cassidy, who emerged from hit TV show The Partridge Family to have his first UK hit single with the double-sided Could It Be Forever and Cherish, in the spring of 1972.

It's 1972. If you're a teenage girl, there is just one question: Donny or David? Because, as Jackie, the now iconic teenage magazine understood, you were true to one idol or the other. Now, journalist and broadcaster Nina Myskow, the former editor of Jackie, marks 40 years since Britain first fell for Donny Osmond and David Cassidy, both of whom had their first UK solo hits that year.

The programmes recreates the magic of the teenybop era and traces the path the stars' lives have since taken. The show is underpinned by new, in-depth conversations with Myskow, who interviewed both David and Donny in their heyday. The love affairs they started with the UK, 40 years ago, continues to this day.

David speaks candidly about how he struggled to deal with the hero-worship of millions of fans; his difficult relationship with his father, who was jealous of his son's success; how he rebuilt his career with the love of his life; and how John Lennon became his friend and mentor. We also hear the personal message he recorded for Jackie readers. Show less

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