What a wild, strange trip was music of the 60's. On the one hand, we had Jim Morrison disrobing on a Florida stage in a drug-induced mania. On the other, we had a squeaky-clean family, complete with mom singing harmony, appearing on Sullivan and charting a couple of #2 hits.
The Cowsills started off with brothers Bill and Bob singing at local school and church dances in the 50's, at ages seven and eight. As other family members got old enough, they joined in on the fun. By 1965, they were a quartet, and had a permanent gig at Bannisters Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island, belting out Beatles tunes. They had a record contract with a small company, but in 1967 they signed with MGM. By now, mom Barbara was singing harmony, and the group was up to seven (originals Bob and Bill, brothers John, Barry, and Paul, and sister Susan). Additionally, father Bud, retired from the navy, managed the group. The Rain, the Park, and Other Things was released that year and hit #2. Add in appearances on Today, Sullivan, and other national shows, and the world was going Cowsills crazy circa 1968.
The American Dairy Association took notice of the hit family's name, and they were hired to pitch the goodness of milk on TV, radio, and print ads. And another hit single climbed the charts in 1968, Indian Lake. Two years later, the group shocked the world by releasing their version of Hair, which was their second #2 hit. But we all knew that the Cowsills hadn't crossed over to the dark side, they were just having some innocent fun. Indeed, in 1969 brother Bill had been axed from the group for smoking pot with the Beach Boys. Working for your father can be tough!
As the 70's drew on, the Cowsills began fragmenting. One by one, members left for solo careers. By 1972, they closed up shop and went bankrupt. However, Bob, Paul, and Susan eventually reunited and are in fact performing as the Cowsills today.
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