The Cowsills
Back in the 1960's, four brothers who wanted to be The Beatles formed a band called The Cowsills. The original Cowsills consisted of Bill on guitar, Bob on guitar and organ, Barry on bass and John on drums. Early gigs were at school dances and churches around their home in Newport, RI. Eventually, as their harmonic sound was perfected, they got a regular gig on Bannisters Wharf in Newport where they would sing Beatles songs hour after hour. Early recording released by the four brothers on Joda and Mercury Records. Barbara ("mini-mom") joined the group to record The Rain, The Park and Other Things and shortly hereafter 7 year old Susan and brother Paul were added to the group. They were signed by MGM records and the group began its climb to the top! The Cowsills enjoyed great success during the late 60's and into the very early 70's not only with their music but appearing as guests on many television shows and even hosting their own TV special. They were approached to do a TV series but the producers had already signed an actress to play the mother on the series so it was a no go for The Cowsills. What was the series? It was The Partridge Family. The Cowsills were also spokespersons for the American Dairy Association and appeared in commercials and print ads for milk.
The Cowsills disbanded in the early 1970s but most of them have never really left the music business and various members have regrouped through the years. Flash forward to the 1990s when some of The Cowsills (Bob, Paul, John and Susan) again regrouped. This time they were going to hit the oldies circuit but somehow playing just oldies didn't appeal to them. They had too much fun on some new material written by Bob and his wife, Mary Jo. They generated great reviews from the critics and fans alike. The Cowsills also went back into the studio and Global was a result of those sessions.
Both Barry and Susan had their lives turned upside down by Hurricane Katrina, which hit the gulf coast in August 2005, since they were resident of the New Orleans area at the time. Susan and her family lost their home and most of their belongings but they were all safe during the hurricane and its aftermath and returned to live in New Orleans in January 2006. Barry, unfortunately, did not get out of New Orleans before Katrina hit and was among the missing of Hurricane Katrina for 4 months. Then, sadly, on January 4th, 2006, The Cowsill family got the news that Barry's body had been found and identified. Barry Cowsill is no longer with us. At the memorial service for Barry, the Cowsill family was informed that Billy had passed away following his battles with hip replacement surgery, back surgery, emphysema, osteoporosis and other problems.
Today, the surviving Cowsills continue to make music - sometimes individually and sometimes together - and their harmonies are still as infectious and bright as ever.
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