Fourth Fan Club - Cowsill Connection
Volume 1 Issue 4 Spring 1991

(Photos taken at Lulu's, Kitchner, Ontario, Canada, 2/15 - 16/91
by Vicky Mulvanery, Santa Ana, CA and Helen Pantuso, New York, N.Y.)

Page 2

FROM THE PRESIDENT...

Dear Fellow Cowsills Fans,

Once again I want to thank all of you for your contributions to The Cowsill Connection and to the Cowsills Fan Club. Each one of you members plays a vital role in the promotion of the new Cowsills band. Whether you attend a "live" Cowsills performance, spread the reunion news to your local DJ's and other media, submit photos and articles for the newsletter, place a classified ad, wear a Cowsills T-shirt, or write a personal note of support to THE COWSILLS, you are all appreciated and needed!

Bob Cowsill reported to me in a recent telephone conversation that "the new Cowsills band is progressing just as we had planned and hoped. At present, we are concentrating on showcasing our band in the L.A. area where the major record labels are located and doing all the 'behind the scenes' work that is required in order to get this new band signed."

THE COWSILLS have been receiving nothing but very positive press in the L.A. music trade publications, and I would personally like to thank Bill Holdship for his continuous complimentary mentions of the 1991 Cowsills in BAM Magazine.

Thanks and appreciation are extended to Gary Strobl of Studio City, CA, for producing the classic Cow-sills T-shirts that we are marketing. They look terrific! If you haven't ordered yours, be sure to do so today!

Keep supporting our Cowsills!!!

Sincerely,
Marsha Jordan

We'd like to believe that The Cowsill Connection is everything you ever wanted in a newsletter about our favorite musical family; however, we realize that there's always more that we can do, and that's why we're asking for your help. Tell us how we can improve the publication ... more articles ... more contests ... more direct information ... or less of something perhaps ... whatever it takes to be sure that you're getting the most informational source on THE COWSILLS that we can provide. Fill out the card provided, and let us know your ideas. All will be considered, and we'll include as many as we can!

Thanks!

THE DIRECT LINE

Here are THE COWSILLS' personal answers to your Direct Line questions:

Bob,
I have two questions. Did you write the song "Contact Mae" (from the "On My Side" LP) about someone you knew personally? Also, are all of you Cowsills really self-taught musicians? If that's true, then you're geniuses!!!
Jimmy Lavender
Chattanooga, TN







Paul,
There's something that I've always wondered about — why did your mom give both you (Paul Mitchell Cowsill) and Bob (Robert Paul Cowsill) the name "Paul"?
Marsha Jordan
Lexington, MS










Bob, Paul, John, and Susan,
What kind of music do you listen to?
Anonymous








Bob,
Is there a Cowsill Lane in Newport, RI? Deanna Carr
Frazee, MN









Anyone,
I would like to know where and when THE COWSILLS (Barbara, Bob, Paul, Barry, John, and Susan) last performed together. Also, where and when did Bill, Bob, Barry, and John last perform as a group? Thanks.
Valeric Horoski
Brick NJ



Susan,
I liked the response about Atlantic City. You said one day you hope to hit Atlantic City, and I'm very happy for that Could you please let me know in advance?
John Crecco
Newark, NJ

Dear Jimmy,
The Cowsills are self-taught musicians, but that hardly qualifies us for genius status. It's actually the gene status that makes it possible. I did write "Contact Mae ". It's not about anyone I knew personally. I was reading Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck at the time and the feel of the song is based on that book (in fact, the "board and bat shacks, pies and lunch packs, long bar, stools and footrail" line is a direct quote from that book).
Bob


Dear Marsha,
When Bob was born, Mom really wanted a Paul; and when I was born, she really wanted a Mitchell. So she named Bob Bob and me Paul. Then she thought, "Well, maybe I could name Paul Paul Bob. "But her favorite show at the time was probably "Sing Along with Mitch ", and her favorite group was Mitchell Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, so probably she thought Mitchell was a better name than Bob, and anyway she'd already had a Bob so she knew what that was all about already.
Paul


Dear Anonymous,
Stop hiding behind the lines. All of us love to listen to most music; but if we could only listen to one type, it would have to be the music played at the Poison Dart Festival in Zimbabwe last October. I believe it was called Tooshoo. We were all quite impressed.
Bob, Paul, John and Susan


Dear Deanna,
There is a Cowsill Lane in Newport. It's somewhere behind Halidon Hall (that's the big house we used to live in). Now whether it's still here or not, I don't know. It could be that some contemporary city council member finally said, "Hey, these Cowsills aren't happening anymore; we need to rename that street."
Bob


Dear Valerie,
To be honest, I can't recall when the full Cowsills (Mom included) last performed. I do know that Bill, John, Barry, and myself last performed at a small club in Denver sometime in '72.
Bob





Dear John,
Marsha will always let everyone know where we're playing. The goal is to make sure Marsha knows.
Bob

If your question wasn't answered this time, don't be dismayed. Just stay tuned for the next issue of The Cowsill Connection!
If you haven't sent us your Direct Line entry, you may use the enclosed card to do so!

WE HEAR FROM YOU
All letters and articles used in The Cowsill Connection are subject to editing and/or condensation.

COWSILLS IN CANADA

Why would a southern Californian leave the sunshine of Los Angeles and travel to the winter snow of Kitchner, Ontario, Canada... to see THE COWSILLS at Lulu's Roadhouse, of course!

THE COWSILLS appeared at Lulu's February 15-16,1991, performing two 45-minute sets to capacity crowds. And I do mean capacity... Lulu's was once a K-Mart and now boasts the longest bar in the world, snack bars, restaurants, and a huge dance floor. It reminded me of Gilley's in Texas, although the music played here is basically cover tunes and Top 40. Saturday night busloads of Canadians came to drink, dance, and hear THE COWSILLS.

John played Lulu's several times when he was with Jan and Dean, and everyone — from Peter Noone to Johnny Cash — has passed through the doors.

THE COWSILLS' old hits were appreciated by the crowd — especially "Indian Lake", which is still as danceable as it was when I was in the 8th grade! Lulu's asked THE COWSILLS to play "Poor Baby" as it was apparently a bigger hit in eastern Canada than it was in the U.S. They had to re-learn the song especially for those shows, and it was great to hear it again "live".

I understand that the fan club obtained two new members as a result of THE COWSILLS appearance at Lulu's ... welcome! And I hope that you enjoyed seeing THE COWSILLS there as much as I did!

by Sue Otto
Beverly Hills, CA

THE COWSILLS TAKE MANHATTAN
THE JOAN RIVERS SHOW

The morning of February 18,1991, was dark and snowy in New York. For most people though, it hardly mattered. Being a holiday, half of Long Island was still asleep as I kissed my husband and 2 kids good-bye. In less than an hour I was in Manhattan, standing in front of NBC Studios where "The Joan Rivers Show" is taped. I was seeing THE COWSILLS again! After meeting my old friend, Peter Tanico, we were whisked past the waiting crowds and led up to THE COWSILLS' dressing room. (Peter, a deejay at some of Manhattan's hottest clubs, had arranged to meet Bob prior to the show.) Seeing Cowsills in various stage of dress and undress was enough to convince me to wait outside while Bob and Peter chatted. (Sorry, ladies!) Eventually, it was time to take our front row seats in the audience and start the show. Saving the best for last, THE COWSILLS finally appeared and gave their now standard riotous, but candid, interview. All those early years in front of the camera must have had their effect, because I have never seen a more relaxed, articulate, and engaging bunch of people in my life. (They should have had their own TV show!) Paul was particularly funny, and John never lost his

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GA-GA AT THE GO-GO

A torrential downpour that evening could not dampen our spirits as we walked through Greenwich Village to The Bitter End. Accompanied by friends and family, we sat through 2 opening acts. During this time, THE COWSILLS were milling about the crowd and enjoying the show as well. (John, seated at a table next to my own, seemed to particularly enjoy the performance by The Flames, a local band.) By about 10:30, the real show began. I must say that the difference between this show and an earlier one I had seen in Butler, NJ, was tremendous. Gone was the usual onstage goofing and banter. These Cowsills meant business. Breezing through the entirely original set (with the exception of "Liverpool"), Bob introduced an occasional song with a minimum of fanfare. Paul, still on a roll from "The Joan Rivers Show", made a few dumb jokes about the weather. John, strangely, was entirely silent (after initially dedicating it all to "Spinal Tap" — do we think he's got a "Spinal Tap" fixation these days?). Even Susan kept the chatter to a minimum, but not without directing a few well-chosen words to some people who walked out early. Their loss. Their performance, standard these days, was impressive. Worth the price of admission alone was an absolute rocking version of "Poor Baby" that got the audience crazy. (It got me crazy!) The new bassist-of-the-month, Bobby Gianetti, had no problems with the new material, although physically he seems much better suited to the Bon Jovi set and appears completely incongruous on stage with THE COWSILLS. At this point I have to wonder just where is Barry already? If he thinks his presence is not missed, he is mistaken. Having heard the band both with and without him, I must note the difference. I realize everyone's entitled to his own agenda, but I sure wish he'd rethink it. (Are you listening, Barry?) A constant source of excitement is watching John Cowsill work. With both hair and drumsticks flying in about a million directions, he's like a demon possessed. An awe-inspiring (though unconventional) drummer, he is a joy to watch. Seeing this guy play the drums, one can't imagine him doing anything else. (A quick story: After the show, John told me that my brownies made him sick. Naturally, I freaked. I now realize — and hope — that he was probably putting me on, but I was a little too ga-ga at the go-go to realize it at the time. Hey, 20-year-old infatuations die hard, ok? Sorry, John.) Meeting and talking with Richard Cowsill was a treat for me. He's one of the nicest and friendliest people around; if you get the chance to meet him, do. As it turns out, he and I are practically neighbors, and he owns a deli that I pass every day! He's got a new customer now.

Again, I come away from a Cowsill experience with a renewed enthusiasm for their work. I don't know what motivates record company execs, but I do know that I need to be hearing THE COWSILLS' new music on a regular basis already! And I'm sure I'm not alone. Listen up, boys. THE COWSILLS are back and here to stay.

See them soon!

by Karen Mormando Klein
Amityville, NY

OPENING ACT

As March 14,1991, approached, I was looking forward to another Cowsills concert with anticipation and some apprehension. I was used to seeing THE COWSILLS as the headliners in small clubs—not as an opening act at a larger venue — and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. After all, I wanted everyone at the Henry Fonda Theatre to be there for THE COWSILLS, but I knew that wouldn't be true.

The night started off well. When we arrived at the theatre, we discovered that the concert had been switched from assigned seating (we had 3rd row seats) to general admission. Yeah, we ended up front and center (always my choice of seats)! Soon after we arrived, the lights went down and THE COWSILLS took the stage. They were simply wonderful from "Cross That Line" through to "Free Fall". The Cowsill portion of the show ended much too soon for my tastes since they only had time to perform 9 songs (8 original and "Going Down to Liverpool"). We left our front row seats to stand in the lobby for the next act (and we weren't the only ones ... I think the audience would have preferred to have THE COWSILLS as the only opening act). Since our seats were now gone, we ventured up to the balcony to watch Redd Kross.

We were betting that Susan would end up on stage with Redd Kross at some time during their show (since she sang backup on their current album) and sure enough ... out she came to sing "Bubblegum Factory". As always, Susan was great and looked really cute in her jeans, bare feet, and hat. We had been told that THE COWSILLS were going to come out at the end of the Redd Kross set to sing "You Can't Do That" with Redd Kross. So, we happily waited for the end of the show and the reappearance of Paul, John, and Susan, and we weren't disappointed ... it was terrific!

All in all, it was a very enjoyable evening, but I'm ready for the days when THE COWSILLS are the headliners no matter where they play!

by Vicky Mulvaney
Santa Ana, CA

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Dreams can come true... yes, it can happen to you (gee, sounds kind of like a song)! I certainly believe this where THE COWSILLS are concerned these days. Friday, March 29,1991, a true moment in Cowsill history occurred at Pickwick's Pub in Woodland Hills, CA. I often wondered what it would have been like to see THE COWSILLS in their early days when they were playing parties and clubs in Rhode Island and doing cover material. Though we can never return to those days (and everyone's voices have matured since then), I feel that some of that magic was captured at the pub on March 29.

As the evening progressed and more Cowsills arrived at Pickwick's, I realized that this was truly going to be an experience that could never be duplicated. The first arrivals were Bob and his wife Mary Jo. Shortly thereafter, in walked Bill, Susan, and Bill's son Travis. And, finally, in came John. The music started around 9:00 p.m. with Bob playing typical pub tunes (cover tunes with a heavy emphasis on The Beatles). Somewhere in the middle of the first set, Bill got up on stage to harmonize. As Bob put it, "I kept playing Beatles tunes until he couldn't stand it any more." Throughout the evening, THE COWSILL(S) on stage kept changing: Bob/Bob and Bill/Bill/Bill and Susan/Bob and Susan/Bill, Bob, and Susan/ Bill, Bob, and John/and, finally, Bill, Bob, John, and Susan. And no matter who was up there, the music kept flowing, and the harmonies kept ringing.

It's hard to find the words to describe what the night was like, but here are a few impressions:

Bill... what a terrific country voice he has. He can sure nail Hank Williams and Roy Orbison tunes. It was really super to have a second guitar, and his harmonica playing was a wonderful addition.

(continued)

Bob... what can I say. Bob's voice is super, and he does a great job of performing a song like the original artist (I can see it now... K-Tel presents "Bob Cowsill Singing the 60's"). It's always amazing to me that Bob effortlessly moves between lead and harmony vocals sounding terrific all the time.

John... what a tremendous voice he has. He simply blew the place away with his rendition of "Crying". Every time I've heard him sing this, he gets a thunderous round of applause, and the pub was no exception.

Susan... it seemed like old times to have Susan back at thepub (she's certainly been missed). Her versions of "Bobby McGee", "Fire", and "Be My Baby" were awesome, and the female voice on harmony added a special touch.

As far as I'm concerned, the night could have lasted forever, but, of course, it had to end sometime. As 1:00 a.m neared, all four Cowsills were on stage and suddenly a familiar song began ... "The Rain, the Park and Other Things" ... and, with Bill singing the lead. What a trip... to hear that song sung by the original artist after more than 20 years have passed. It's simply indescribable, and I wouldn't trade the memory for anything. The only way that the night could have been improved would have been for Barry and Paul to show up, or if I had been able to capture it all on video tape. But, even without that, I'll always carry the mental image of Bill, Bob, Susan, and John crowded together on the stage at Pickwick's Pub! And, here's to the future dreams of all of THE COWSILLS together again!

by Vicky Mulvaney
Santa Ana, CA

(Editor's Note: Bob Cowsill currently performs at Pickwick's Pub in Woodland Hills, CA, on Friday nights.)

COWSILLS AT THE CHINA CLUB

THE COWSILLS' appearance at The China Club in L.A. (one of Hollywood and New York City's hottest clubs) on April 9,1991, showcased their musical talents to a capacity crowd. In comparison to their all acoustic show at Genghis Cohen (a 50-seat "cantina") 5 short months ago, THE COWSILLS have come to be recognized as "L.A.'s best unsigned band" in local rock publications as well as Daily Variety. The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard — even though this Cowsills fan knew that from the beginning and is proud to have been here in L.A. to witness their success!

From their opening number of "Cross That Line" to "Free Fall", THE COWSILLS gave a very polished performance. For those of you who have recently seen them, they have put back into the show "Is It Any Wonder?" and "She Said To Me", which I think are two of their best and are personal favorites. Susan's version of "Liverpool" (the only cover song in their 60-minute show) is always enjoyed by the audience. Just added for this show is one of two new songs written by Bob called "She Wants Everything", which has an upbeat almost country flavor. This would be an ideal lead vocal for John (sorry, Bob!). I agree with Paul Bailey in the last issue of The Cowsill Connection — John definitely needs his own song!

Also new this show is Robby Scharf, who has replaced Bobby Gianetti on bass. Bobby is now on the road with Edgar Winter.

In attendance at The China Club were Cowsill wives, Mary Jo, Lou Ann, and Val; Susan's significant other Jack; Bill's son Travis; and assorted fan club members. On stage, thanking friends for coming, Paul joked that he appreciated Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen for dropping by, too! And, Susan, comfortably clad in jeans and T-shirt, said she looked "too good" on "The Joan Rivers Show" in her black velvet outfit!

Although the crowds reacted instantly and positively to the C's encore of "Hair" and "The Rain, the Park and Other Things", they were equally receptive to the new material—as the rest of the USA would be if a record company would give THE COWSILLS the opportunity to be heard on the radio again. (And won't it be great to buy a CD with all new Cowsills material on it?)

I know that a record deal is just around the corner for THE COWSILLS, and I feel very fortunate to be able to participate in and support their 90's comeback. Living here in L.A. I have seen first-hand how much hard work and sacrifice — not to mention time and money — they have put into rebuilding their careers over the past 18 months. No one deserves success more than they do!

by Sue Otto
Beverly Hills, CA