George Cassidy (jazz musician)

George Cassidy (7 September 1936 – 28 May 2023) was a Northern Irish jazz musician and music teacher from Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland, who specializing in the tenor saxophone. He was also noted for teaching fellow Belfast musician Van Morrison music reading and notation and giving him saxophone lessons. Cassidy also played the clarinet, hurdy-gurdy and Hawaiian Guitar. Following a stint in a local beat band, Cassidy was lead saxophonist with the Regal Accordion & Saxophone Band.

George Cassidy
Cassidy, playing his signature Henri Selmer Paris tenor saxophone, 1959
Background information
Birth name	George Cassidy
Born	7 September 1936 Belfast, Northern Ireland
Origin	Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Died	28 May 2023
Genres	Jazz, beat music, blues pop music
Occupation(s)	Jazz musician, music teacher
Instrument(s)	Tenor saxophone, clarinet, lap steel guitar, hurdy-gurdy
Website	georgecassidyjazz.wordpress.com

History

Early life and an introduction to music

George Cassidy was born on 7 September 1936, at 49 Hyndford Street, Bloomfield, Belfast. He lived with his younger brother, Billy Cassidy, and his mother, Sarah "Sadie" Cassidy, and his father, a laborer, William Cassidy. Cassidy attended Elmgrove Elementary School from 1940 until 1952. Hyndford Street became known for the location where Van Morrison also grew up, the pair became best friends. As they lived on the same street, it became easily accessible for Morrison to practice and continue to learn. This in turn strengthened the bond between the two. George took inspiration from various artists, such as Matt Monro, whom he first met in Glasgow. George Cassidy, playing the saxophone joined a Beat Band in Belfast. Cassidy went on to join the Regal Accordion & Saxophone Band in the late 1950s. They were known for their unique style, energy and charisma. The band would play a variety of genres, including pop songs of the time, like "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles, and traditional jazz.

George Cassidy had played a significant role in the early career of the musician Van Morrison. Their friendship and collaboration had a profound impact on Morrison's development as an artist. Van Morrison later said: "At 15, I was taking lessons from a guy called George Cassidy, who lived in the same street. He was a great jazz player. He had the chops." "When I started studying tenor saxophone as a kid in Belfast, I did so with a guy named George Cassidy, who was also a big inspiration."

As a devoted tenor saxophonist, Cassidy opted for the Henri Selmer Paris, for its warm, rich and expressive tone, as well as its hand-made, durable craftsmanship and quality.

The Regal Band and legacy

Cassidy performed in various charitable, community, historic and remembrance events throughout Northern Ireland, such as annually at the Black Parade. The band was considered one of the most prominent musical groups in the country during the late 20th century, achieving critical acclaim and cultivating a dedicated fanbase through their energetic live performances and strong audience engagement. The Regal took lead of many parades, Cassidy was lead saxophonist.

during their Aside from the centerpiece instruments - accordion and saxophone, the band also had trumpet players, and in percussion - snare drum, clash cymbals and bass drum. Cassidy with The Regal performed a number of times at The Grand Opera House, supporting act for Donald Peers and Nancy Whiskey. The sold-out event led them to return for a grand performance.

The band picked up songs outside the traditional songs played in the 20th century in Northern Ireland, such as When the Saints go marching in, Hokey Cokey, and Lily of Laguna. These performances made them very popular in areas around Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Derry. They performed at various community and social events, in November 1987, they performed to support BBC Children in Need.

In September 1970, George Magill, conductor of The Regal Band arranged for their performance in regards to the Championship bands contest, at UEFA European Cup Winners' Cup tie between Linfield FC and Manchester City. Being a staple on remembrance day events, the Regal Band led on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1972, during the wreath-laying ceremony and sounding of "The Last Post".

In August 1985, The Regal Band gave their recitals at the Donaghadee Young Defenders band contest during the towns Festival Week, showing their "marvellous brand of music - marvellous sound from a multitude of different instruments". Following the contest, The Regal were presented with the award, amidst the applause the crowds and other bands taking part.

Van Morrison, would write songs about his time growing up in Bloomfield, and would describe his time playing saxophone with Cassidy, such as in his 1982 song "Cleaning Windows"

Personal life

George Cassidy grew up on Hyndford Street, he had a brother, William. He married his wife, Joan McCommiskey and moved to Dundonald, and had children. They bought a house in Ballybeen and then moved in Ardcarn. George Cassidy worked for John Kelly Limited at Queen's Quay, Belfast. Cassidy enjoyed Horse Racing, and frequented the Canberra Bar, Monico and The Raven Social Club. His favourite drinks were Guinness and demerara rum.

George Cassidy's grandfather, William John Cassidy, was a trimmer on the RMS Titanic., before disembarking in Southampton

Cassidy was a freemason and a member of Unite the Union.

Cassidy died on 28 May 2023. His favourite song "If I Never Sing Another Song" was played at his funeral, 7 June. He is buried at Roselawn Cemetery. Cassidy's contributions to the music scene extended beyond his mentorship of Morrison. He was a talented musician in his own right, performing with various bands and contributing to the vibrant music culture of Belfast. His legacy lives on through the local culture and people around him in Belfast.