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, William Cassidy, who worked as a clerk for
Harland & Wolff. Cassidy attended
Elmgrove Elementary School from 1940 until 1952. Hyndford Street became known for the location where Van Morrison also grew up, the two became close 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 Belfast. George Cassidy joined a Beat Band in Belfast as a saxophonist. Following this, Cassidy joined the East Belfast Pipe Band for a brief period. Cassidy then 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 Springfields, The Regal Band and legacy In 1960, Cassidy joined
The Springfields in the
Republic of Ireland. He was invited to join following a stint in a beat showband in Belfast. Cassidy garnered attention playing in the Plaza Ballroom, Belfast. He was a part of their first music ensemble and would play in various venues such as ballrooms. He returned to Belfast after feeling homesick. Cassidy performed in various charitable, community, historic and remembrance events throughout Northern Ireland, such as annually at the
Battle of the Somme Memorial Parade,
Black Parade and
Orangeman's Day. They led Orange Lodge Dundonald Purple Vine under the North Down Combine. The Regal Accordion & Saxophone 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. Aside from the centerpiece instruments -
accordion and
saxophone, the band also had
clarinet and
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 ==