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In the late 1960s, the Cowsills were a TV and radio staple.
With hits such as "The Rain, The Park & Other Things," "Hair" and "Indian Lake" and appearances on "The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson", "American Bandstand" and "The Ed Sullivan Show," the seven members were blazing a path for family bands.
In fact, their wholesome take on flower-power pop inspired the fictional "Partridge Family," just as the family was fading from public view.
Today, not many people remember the Cowsills, though their songs are still played on radio.
The band consisted of Bob, Susan, Paul, John, Bill, Barry and Barbara.
A new documentary "Family Band: The Cowsills Story," premiered Wednesday on Showtime and is aiming to give an inside look to the rise and fall of the beloved band. The next airing will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Richard Cowsill, 63, is now a Rio Rancho, N.M. resident.
He said he is looking forward to seeing the documentary open up some eyes about his family.
"They had a great run," he says with a smile. "But, like most musicians in that time, they got taken advantage of and really didn't make any money."
Richard is the second oldest of seven born to Bud and Barbara Cowsill, and worked back stage.
Having no musical talent himself but recognizing everyone else in the family had it in spades, Bud aggressively pushed them as a professional act. Soon the Cowsills were relocated from Rhode Island to Southern California, signed by MGM (which insisted Barbara and Susan join the group) and scoring several chart hits.
While his brothers, sister and other found success in the band, Richard was the odd man out. But it wasn't due to not having musical talent.
"My father and I never got along," he says. "Since I was a child, we never reached agreements. While the others would perform, I would be in the background setting up their instruments."
By 18, after an arguement with his father, Richard enlisted in the military and left for what would become three tours in Vietnam.
The documentary goes behind the scenes to dig up its share of private dirt and family secrets, and is chockfull of vintage clips that chronicle the clan's complcated larger story.
Richard says growing up was difficult because his father didn't let the children know one another.
"Everyone was always looking out for their own behind," he says. "We were afraid to do anything wrong. We were taught keep it simple and just make music."
The documentary was filmed over the course of seven years. It took nearly two years for everyone to agree to it.
"Family Band: The Cowsills Story" will be shown a dozen times during March on Showtime. Check local listings for other broadcasts.
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