MEMORIES:

Release History:

Members:

The hit television show, The Partridge Family, was inspired by the real-life family musical group, The Cowsills. Unlike the Partidges, the Cowsills all sang and played their own instruments, touring and releasing singles throughout the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s.

 

When oldest sons Bill and Bob Cowsill got guitars from their father, they formed an Everly Brothers-style duo. They were joined by brother Barry and John on bass and drums, and the quartet earned a recording contract after appearing on The Today Show. Their first hit was “The Rain, The Park, and Other Things," where they were joined in the studio by their mother Barbara. Their tight, breezy harmonies struck a chord with fans, and the single sold a million copies.

 

Siblings Sue and Paul joined the band in 1968, and they became "America's First Family of Music." The band continued to tour and record, and saw success with the singles "We Can Fly" and "Indian Lake." Their pleasant, pretty pop was featured on their own television special on NBC. They also recorded the theme song for the motion picture The Impossible Years.

The Cowsills version of the song “Hair,” from the Broadway musical, garnered them another million-selling single in 1969. They were part of the campaign for the American Dairy Association, and recorded the theme song for the television show Love, American Style. Brother Bill left the group in 1971 to start a solo career. After a tour of U.S. military bases in Europe in 1972, the Cowsills disbanded.

 

Individually, the Cowsills were still involved with music. Susan joined the Psycho Sisters with ex-Bangle Vicki Peterson, and Bill formed the country band Blue Shadows. John played drums for Jan and Dean. Tragedy struck the Cowsill family in 2005 and 2006, when brothers Barry and Bill both passed away. Barry perished in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, and Bill died the following year after a long illness. But the Cowsills’ legacy remains as a pioneering musical family.