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MGM Record Co. president Mike Curb is determined to do for the Osmond Brothers what that label did for the Cowsills: Boost them into top-selling record popularity.
The five Osmond youngsters have been on the show-business scene for eight years, thanks in large part to Andy Williams, who’s been featuring them on his TV and night-club shows since they were beginners. They’ve never really hit it as big-timers yet, however.
Now they’ve got that chance. And without having to compete with the Cowsills for MGM recognition. The Cowsills, Curb told me, are leaving that label.
“I had to make a choice between Bill Cowsill and the rest of his family,” explained the 25-year-old recording-business whiz kids.
Mike said that Cowsills still haven’t healed the family breach that erupted late last year during a battle royal that had Bill and some of his brothers close to punches in the wings of the Las Vegas nightery where they were appearing.
“I would be happy if the Cowsills would stay with us,” said Mike, “but I’m sure they won’t, not with Bill now under contract to MGM as a single performer.”
That should give a pretty good clue as to how complete the estrangement remains.
Actually, Mike doesn’t seem all that broken up by the Cowsills’ departure. “I think they’ve pretty much ridden the crest of their popularity. Personally I’m delighted we have the Osmonds. They’ve got lasting power.”
As for Bill Cowsill, “He’s bound to make it as a big solo star, even though his isn’t the type of music I personal enjoy all that much. But you’ve got to give the public a choice. Bill’s an underground type, you know.”
That one factor apparently led to his estrangement from his family.
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