Introduction
A Brotherly Ballad of Summer Longing and Fleeting Youth
“July 18th” is a poignant track from the 1995 international cast recording of Blood Brothers, a musical by Willy Russell. This recording is notable for featuring half-brothers David and Shaun Cassidy performing together for the first time on an album. The album also stars Petula Clark and includes Russell himself as the Narrator.
Blood Brothers tells the story of twins separated at birth, exploring themes of class division, fate, and family bonds. “July 18th” is a significant song within the musical, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative. The collaboration between David and Shaun Cassidy in this recording brought a unique dynamic to the production, blending their distinct vocal styles and theatrical backgrounds.
For David Cassidy, known for his role as Keith Partridge on The Partridge Family, and Shaun Cassidy, a teen idol and star of The Hardy Boys Mysteries, this project represented a meaningful convergence of their musical and acting careers. Their participation in Blood Brothers added depth to the musical’s exploration of familial relationships, both on and off the stage.
The 1995 recording of Blood Brothers, featuring “July 18th,” stands as a testament to the Cassidy brothers’ talents and their contribution to musical theatre. It remains a significant work for fans and historians interested in the intersection of pop culture and stage performance.