Roller Coaster / Mark James

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I've learnt about Mark James only because of David Cassidy.

Mark James was born in 1940, a very talented songwriter, also a singer, musician and a recording artist himself.  In 1973 Mark James released self-titled album, on Bell, with his own songs, among them there were 'Roller Coaster' and 'Where Do We Go From Here'. I've listened to his album once..He was much better songwriter than a singer.

A very talented songwriter. He wrote songs for Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley, and his childhood friend, B.J. Thomas, to name a few. And what songs - 'Hooked on a Feeling'.  'Suspicious Minds' or 'Always On My Mind', and many more. The latter song became a worldwide hit three times -  for Elvis, Willie Nelson and Pet Shop Boys. Mark James is regarded by Broadcast Music, Inc. as one of the most important songwriters of the 20th century. And to think that I've never heard about him before..

Three of his songs were recorded by The Partridge Family, and each time it was remarkable David's vocal achievement. And his interpretation, because he always knew what a song was about, for him singing was also an acting task.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dreVCZhvbk

Mark James himself. It was released at the beginning of 1973.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pe8c8q-h-4

Roller Coaster by the author

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWNHq26kC3U

And by David Cassidy. How he could have been called 'a singer for little girls' and that music 'bubble gum'? It's so exciting, still after 50 years. Not only his singing, stage charisma, but also the way he looked, so gorgeous.. his hair..

The music scene from the last episode, filmed in 1973, and aired for the first time on March 23, 1974. On that day DC played two concerts in Japan..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NncG_pm338



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