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Can an "everyday housewife" in her 40s, whose only vocal training has been singing at the kitchen sink for 20 years, find success in show busiess?
Apparently she can if she happens to have handsome, talented children who can sing, play guitar and drums, fill in at a keyboard and are blessed with the magic ingredient called "showmaship."
Mrs. Barbara Cowsill of Santa Monica, Calif., brought her brood of five to Mayo Civic Auditorium Arena Sunday night and proved that "family togetherness" can bring fame.
The rock vocal group which records and performs under the name of "The Cowsills" delighted the mostly youthful audience of 2,300. The jean-clad, poncho-covered younger set squealed and clapped enthusiastically at the conclusion of each booming number. They snapped pictures and generally "oohed nd ahhed" throughout the two-hour performance.
And even the "squares" over 30 had to admit that the show certainly was entertaining once they adjusted to the noise.
On stage, dressed in mod fashion in varying shades of purple were Mrs. Cowsills sons Bob, 21; Paul, 18; Barry 16; John, 14, and Susan, 11.
The three older boys displayed proficiecy on electric guitars; Paul and Bob took turns at the electric keyboard; John kept the beat on the drums, which Susan and Barbara helped in family vocal work and sang some swinging solos.
The sextet belted out numbers like "We Can Fly," "Indian Lake," "Two-By-Two," "Hair," "The Rain, The Park and Other Things." The latter was their first million seller on record three years ago.
Little Susan quieted the pace in her vocal solos, "Hello, Hello," and "When I'm 64," and Barbara showed her special talent in a couple of folk songs.
The family also bantered about their non-singing father, a retired 20-year Navy man.
In reference to the large family (the Cowsills have a total of seven), one of the youngsters remarked "Dad has no talent." Mother replied, "That's your story." Then Barbara followed with the number, "That's What You Got For Lovin' Me," bringing loud laughter from the young audience.
Drummer John had the chance to appear on center stage giving a creditable imitation of Johnny Cash singing, "Folsom Prison," and Barry imitated Mick Jagger in "Honky Tonk Woman."
The Cowsills also previewed a couple of numbers planned for another album they will record this fall. They included an unusual selection called "Killed Him In Velvet," featuring the solo work by Bob, and a plaintive folksong, "There is a Child," with Barbara as soloist.
At the conclusion of the show, the younger generation flocked to the dressing room for a closer glimpse of the rock favorites.
Their enthusiasm left the "older folks" rather nostalgic. This generation's music is different, true, but nevertheless, mighty enjoyable.
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