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Calgary, Alberta - William Cowsill, 58, lead singer of the 1960s singing family band The Cowsills, which inspired the TV series “The Partridge Family,” has died.
Cowsill, who was suffering from emphysema, osteoporosis and other ailments, died in Calgary, Alberta, on Friday according to the family and Canadian record producer Neil MacGonigil. He had been in deteriorating health.
The Cowsills, inspiration for the “The Partridge Family,” recorded a series of top hits between 1967 and 1970, including “The Rain, The Park and Other Things” and “Hair.”
Four Cowsill brothers played in the band: Barry on bass, William on guitar, Bob on guitar and organ, and John on drums. Their mother, Barbara, and little sister, Susan, eventually joined the group.
Barry disappeared after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on Aug. 29. His body was recovered Dec 28 from the Chartress Street Wharf.
The band’s career began in Newport, R.I. They were spotted by a producer for NBC’s “Today” show which booked them for an appearance that led to a record deal.
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