David Cassidy Hated This Hit 1971 Partridge Family Song — Here's Why

The former teen idol almost quit the show over a song he initially refused to sing.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the early 1970s, David Cassidy shot to fame as the lead singer of the Partridge Family. However, there was one song that Cassidy absolutely hated - "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted" from the group's second album, Up to Date. Cassidy admitted in his memoir that he "balked" when he was presented with the song, finding the spoken-word section embarrassing and calling it his worst vocal performance. Despite initial resentment, Cassidy later performed and grew to enjoy the song in concerts.

Why it matters

This story highlights the creative tensions that can arise between artists and their producers, even for hugely successful acts like the Partridge Family. Cassidy's dislike of "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted" reveals the challenges of balancing commercial pressures with artistic integrity, especially for young performers.

The details

Cassidy feared the "talking" gimmick in the song was too commercialized and revealed that music producer Wes Farrell freaked out when he refused to sing it. Cassidy swore he'd never talk on a record and almost quit the show over the issue. He was embarrassed by the final recording and begged producers not to release it, but the song still went on to peak at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sell over 2 million copies.

  • The Partridge Family's second album, Up to Date, was released in February 1971.
  • "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted" was a single from that album.

The players

David Cassidy

The lead singer of the Partridge Family who shot to fame in the early 1970s, but hated the song "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted" and almost quit the show over it.

Wes Farrell

The music producer who freaked out when Cassidy refused to sing "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I didn't think 'Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted' was a good song at all, and I hated the idea that they wanted me to talk—not sing—in the middle of it.”

— David Cassidy (C'mon, Get Happy...Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus)

“It was horrible. I was embarrassed by it.”

— David Cassidy (C'mon, Get Happy...Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus)

“It was with such restraint, and they had me do that little talking bit in the middle, which is the most embarrassing moment in my entire career!”

— David Cassidy (The Lost 45s)

The takeaway

This story highlights the creative tensions that can arise between artists and their producers, even for hugely successful acts like the Partridge Family. It reveals the challenges of balancing commercial pressures with artistic integrity, especially for young performers trying to navigate the music industry.