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DEATHS
William "Billy" Cowsill, 58, of failing health from maladies including emphysema and osteoporosis, Feb. 17 at his home in Calgary, Alberta.
Cowsill was the lead singer of the popular 1960s Rhode Island band that bore the family name. Other members of the Cowsills were his mother Barbara, a sister Susan and brothers Barry, Bob, John and Paul. The act charted eight pop singles from 1967 to 1969; its biggest hits were "The Rain, The Park and Other Things" and the title song from the musical "Hair." Both reached No. 2 on The Billboard Hot 100.
The Cowsills served as the model for the Partridges FAmily, the fictitious family band fronted by David Cassidy and Shirley Jones, whose 1970-74 TV series spawned its own run of hits.
Cowsill moved to Canada more than 30 years ago and was a member of Canadian groups the Blue Northern, the Blue Shadows and most recently the Co-Dependents. Cowsill's latest work is featured on the Co-Dependents' 2005 release, "Live at the Mecca Cafe Volume 2."
In January, Cowsill's brother Barry was found dead in New Orleans, more than four months after he went missing following Hurricane Katrina's devastation of the city (Billboard Jan 21).
In addition to his remaining siblings, Cowsill is survived by his sons Travis and Del.
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