Jock Casasus Carey

lived a life that followed his dreams and did it his way.

Born in Paris, France, Jock’s mother, Edna, a Parisian model of English descent married his father, Mario. They then took two year old Jock across the Atlantic to life in America where Jock’s mother become one of MGM’s starlets. Sadly, Jock’s parents separated and divorced. Jock grew up amongst the 1940’s movie star

circle, tagging along with his mother to celebrity pool parties, also attending the Black-Foxe Military Institute along with many movie stars’ children, even riding the bus with a young Robert Wagner. During a period of time, Jock was being given a ride home from the school bus drop off location where MGM Star Hedy Lamarr’s son was also dropped off and living just a few houses from each other up the hill. Hedy Lamarr was the driver and would drop Jock off at his home.

After attending his private Hollywood boys school, Jock attended Menlo College in Northern California before transferring to Stanford University where he was involved in the dramatic arts. Jock’s love of music and theater inspired him to leave Stanford and head for the Big Apple, New York City where he performed as an actor in South Pacific on Broadway and soon became the opening hit act at the famous Copacabana for many headlining star singers: Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Steve and Eydie Gorme, Syd Ceasar, to name a few. Jock took the stage name Jock Carey and went on to perform in many national and international venues. One of Jock’s notable acting credits came in the 1952 Technicolor movie, Somebody Loves Me, starring Betty Hutton. A young Jock plays the stage bellman announcing to Betty Hutton how many minutes she has until showtime. During one of the many takes for the scenes Jock accidentally stepped on Ms Hutton’s foot, Jock feared being let go from the movie but the stage hand said “kid just show up tomorrow and don’t worry, Ms Hutton won’t even remember this tomorrow” and everything turned out just fine for Jock.

Jock’s time of living in New York City came to an end he returned to Los Angeles. Jock broadened his artistic skills as a singer, lyricist, composer, and became a member of the Songwriters Guild in 1986. He was also a playwright and accomplished interior designer. The one thread that was always constant through his life was his love of music and singing, leading him in recent years to self- produce along with coproducer Richard Preston and record six album CD’s: Taking Off, You and I, Lucky To Be Me, I’ll Be Around, Along Came Duke, and I Wish You Love. Jock was determined to do one last album, the seventh albums songs and arrangements are complete and ready to be recorded, Jock completed the album but was unable to record it, the album name, I’ve Got A Crush On You. Working on this album is what kept Jock busy through the pandemic. Sadly it was not meant to be, yet another casualty from the pandemic, so many things affected, lost, and forever changed.

Jock’s choice of songs reflect his devotion to the golden era of popular song, where the captivation of storytelling held the hearts, minds, and ears of the public with profundity. His album CD’s wrapped the listener in his story, so much so that as Jock sang, one believed Jock was describing his own personal life experience. The music was seductive. A case in point is “Lyme House Blues” from the CD Taking OFF, where Jock smoothly drops the listener into an intimate nightclub setting where one cannot help but visualize Jock surrounded by his musicians whom he loved and appreciated, engaging the listener from a softly lit nightclub stage.

It is not possible to describe Jock’s signing without adding that as producer of his own CD’s, his arrangements were brilliant! His musicality and skill in surrounding himself with the very best top musicians and seamlessly bringing the musicians into the narrative evoke finger snapping delight to his melodies and enchantment to his repertoire. His album CD’s were like relishing an evening show where each song was placed in thoughtful sequence, enhancing the entire ambiance and elegance. Jock had the wonderful ability and confidence to know what he wanted to do and how he wanted to do it. Jock would listen to opinions politely, be receptive to ideas, but he would stick to his choices because he knew what was best for him, Jock was always true to himself in everything he did. He trusted his judgement and knew what was best for him. Yes, Jock was a true original and did life his way.

Jock’s love of God was evident in his deep daily devotions to the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Blessed Mother Mary. Jock is a long standing member of Saint Victor Catholic Church in West Hollywood, CA. There will be a small private service for Jock at Saint Victor Catholic Church as he requested, service date is pending.

Jock’s love of life and his enthusiasm for creating joy for his beloved family and friends was boundless. Jock was not alone when he suddenly passed away, his dearest closest confidant, trusted companion, friend Richard Preston was at his side assisting Jock in his final moments, at home, after a normal day, surrounded by the things he loved and someone he loved, such a blessing from God Almighty. Jock passed quickly and did not suffer. Jock fully lived until he died. He was an icon. He’s left an indelible mark forever to be remembered on the heart’s and soul’s of all those who knew and loved him. Jock was such a beautiful, kind, gentle soul and child of God now safely forever in God’s eternal care. Jock will be deeply and forever missed.

If you wish to make a donation for those in need, sometimes we all just need a little helping hand to find our way.

Donations can be made to:

McIntyre House 544 Kenmore Ave Los Angeles, CA 90004