George Cassidy

George Cassidy
George Cassidy, playing his Selmer Tenor Saxophone
Information
Name	George Cassidy
Born	7 September 1936
Died	28 May 2023
Origin	Belfast, Northern Ireland
County	County Antrim
Occupation	Musician, Music Teacher
Instuments	Saxophone, Hawaiian Guitar, Clarinet
Genres	Jazz, Beat
Associated_Acts	Regal Band, Van Morrison

George Cassidy, (born 7 September 1936) was a Northern Irish jazz musician and music teacher from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He played the tenor saxophone, and taught Van Morrison how to play the tenor saxophone. Cassidy played in a band known as The Regal Accordion and Saxophone Band. Cassidy, who specialized in saxophone, also played the Clarinet and Hawaiian Guitar.

History

Early life and an introduction to music

George Cassidy was born on the 7th of September 1936 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Growing up, George Cassidy lived on Hyndford Street, East Belfast, where Van Morrison also grew up, the pair became best friends. George lived with his borhter, William "Billy" Cassidy, his mother, Sarah "Sadie" Cassidy, and his father, Mr Cassidy. George took inspiration from various artists, such as Matt Monro, who he met in Glasgow. George Cassidy, playing the tenor saxophone joined a Beat Band in Belfast. Cassidy played in the once-loved Regal Band (defunct). They were known for their unique style, energy and charisma. When he played in The Regal, they would occasionally perform pop songs of the time and Beat Music, which was extremely popular at the time (1960s). Songs included "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles. Cassidy also worked in the Coal Quay in Belfast. He married, and moved to East Belfast. His preferred brand was Selmer, for their warm, rich and expressive tone, as well as their hand-made, durable craftsmanship and quality.

George Cassidy had played a significant role in the early career of the legendary musician Van Morrison. Their friendship and collaboration had a profound impact on Morrison's development as an artist. Van Morrison: “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."

The Regal Band and legacy

Cassidy performed in various charitable, community, historic and remembrance events throughout Northern Ireland. Aside from the centrepiece 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 in 1960.

The band picked up songs outside of the staples of unionism, like pop songs, and folk tunes. Examples of songs performed by The Regal include Yellow Submarine, When the Saints go marching in, Hokey Pokey, and Lily of Laguna. These performances made them very popular in areas around Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Derry. They performed as various community and charity events, in November 1987, they performed to support BBC Children in Need at the Lisburn Leisure Centre.

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, alongside Donegall Pass Flute Band on Remembrance Day, 11th November 1972. 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 an award, amidst the applause the crowds and other bands taking part.

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. George passed away on May 28 2023, and buried at Roselawn Cemetery. Cassidy's legacy lives on through his influence on Morrison and his input to the Belfast music scene and people around him.

Personal life

George Cassidy grew up on Hyndford Street, he had a brother, William. He married Joan Cassidy, and moved to Dundonald, and had children. He worked for Kelly's Coal at Queen's Quay. Cassidy enjoyed Horse Racing, and frequented the Canberra Bar, Monico and The Raven Social Club. His drink of choice was Guinness and Demerara Rum.

See also

• Jazz music
• Video of Regal Band, Black Parade - Black Saturday 2006.
• Video of Regal Band, Groomsport 1989
• British Newspaper Archive