The Cowsills will never really know how many thousands of people enjoyed and appreciated their music, lyrics and harmonies. They were original, unique and utterly gifted. Despite what they endured to survive, their music was inspired. Their backstory and music resonates with millions.
Louise, having worked in HOLLYWOOD for some 40 years as both a writer and studio historian.... and having once lived across the street from the old Columbia Ranch where THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY was shot... I congratulate you on your wonderful and insightful COWSILLS documentary! Having produced some docs myself I well know the hard work and dedication you put in to your tribute to that musical family. You struck the right balance between the legend and the reality. Of course the COWSILLS have something in common with THE BEACH BOYS and their abusive father who sold the rights to all their original hits for a pittance. I specially loved the Shirley Jones "poetic justice" inclusion into your documentary, first time she met the group just incredible and so long overdue... Someone I know Denny Tedesco spent 12 whole years making THE WRECKING CREW a reality, and his having to pay a whole lot for the rights to use the iconic hits which he was honoring both with the musician talent and the singing artists, and yet his biggest obstacle was the record industry itself... A no-brainer that todays record executives couldn't see how it would benefit their inventory sales... and that documentary went on to become the most watched documentary ever on Netflix. Anyway, thank you for your sincere and loving efforts in preserving another piece of musical history, us Baby Boomers were so fortunate to have lived through the very best and most diverse music in history specially with the 1960s-70s hits! Fans don't always realize that fame and glory often come at a high personal price whether its the world's most honored drummer the Wrecking Crew's Hal Blaine, or superstar ELVIS or literally hundreds of others, but when it's a family like the Wilson's or the Cowsills, it's even more sad... I'm sure they are more grateful to you than any of us and rightfully so!
Thank you so much, Graham. I very much appreciate your kind words. I have seen Denny's doc a few times. I've had him on my podcast with Fritz Coleman and I even went to a fundraiser so I could see the doc early and help him reach his goals. I, too, paid way too much for The Cowsills music. It was the costliest part of making the film. I've got a bunch more special features here under the playlist, Documenting The Cowsills. Thanks for watching!
@@louisepalanker Between Sony & Universal they own 85% of the worlds music... and what with Universal and its "fires" where the master recordings of literally hundreds of legendary singers and musicians destroyed because of literally criminal neglect, and music preservation and education has to go begging to these BANK$TER$? I was at 20th Century-Fox for 25 years, and when I helped celebrate their 75th anniversary by being part of a team organizing a musical concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2010, Fox would not sponsor it, instead Warner's TCM did -go figure! I produced a 2hr. demo documentary on the studio that was well received by everyone but was never ever going to be made available to the public I was told after. But if you're interested I'd be happy to send you a DVD copy... What THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT did for MGM my salute did for 20th Century-Fox it's that good. grahamhill007@sbcglobal.net
I’ve read too many comments from people who just do not understand what this family went through growing up. Tacky, rude, classless and disrespectful comments that need to be removed, imo. These kids were talented and really great. I wonder how things would’ve been, what paths would’ve been taken had they had a loving home with encouragement and not a father who was a slave driver looking to live off the backs of his kids. I remember how I felt when I first learned just a little of their lives. I was so sad for them. They had to learn to be survivors from Day One. That’s a life of no childhood, just work, work, and more work. God bless them. Thank you for documenting them, Ms Palanker. What truly talented kids they all were, and still are today.
Louise, thank you so much for doing this documentary on The Cowsills. I thought for a long time in my younger adult years { I'm 57 now} , that I was the only one who remembered and cared about The Cowsills. I am so thankful they allowed you to "invade" their lives and gather the info you needed to create this wonderful documentary. Best wishes to all the remaining Cowsills , Bob, Rich , Paul ,John and Susan. R.I.P. to Billy and Barry , we will never forget you guys. Thank you Cowsills for making music that made my growing up more enjoyable . Thank You again , Louise. Mark Turner
Hola. Tengo 52 añod y soy de Costa Rica, América Central y a pesar de qur nací en 1965 llegué a apreciar grandemente la música de The Cowsills. Thanks a lot for that music guys. Alex Zeledón
I watched the documentary a few days ago and am still in shock. That poor family gave so much. Please pass on my best regards and thanks to them for all the fond memories I have of their performances. I had absolutely no idea of their plight.
Oh one more thing.... When can they come to Australia? I'll see what I can do with one of the national TV networks for preliminary interest to test the water....
+Louise Palanker Hi Louise, thank you so much for posting this, I can remember the song flower girl, being played in Australia, and it wasn't until you tube showed the song, I had no idea who sung it ! no did I know what pain the family went through, how did Billy and Barry pass on ? And Susan must be one hell of a strong lady ! darryl.
I was a big Cowsill fan back in the day. To watch this and find out that what was "perceived" back in the day about a big happy family, wasn't real. Didn't know that Bud Cowsill was a SOB. I am looking forward to seeing the whole story of this talented family. You guys still ROCK!!
Holy Smokes! What a fantastic interview! I was such a little kid when the Cowsills were at their height. All of a sudden I've become aware of them, their sound, their tight harmonies and now, their stories. Thank you very much for sharing all of the Family Band with us. Cheers!
I think it's great that this family is: a) still speaking to one another b) still playing and singing together c) being open about being a REAL (dysfunctional) family - I can relate to many of the family dynamic aspects. These are really talented people and regardless of their father's drive to exploit that talent, and how badly he handled just about everything, these are strong spirits and good people who have made and are making good music. I salute you and say "Good for you!" Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Hi Louise. I put this comment in a reply to someone else but I want to say it directly to you: The Cowsills are brave, decent and above all HUMAN and they deserve every bit of praise they receive as both people and artists. To create what they did under those nightmare circumstances is an extraordinary feat. Kudos to them and to you Louise for documenting them.
andy, did you catch them on Sirius a couple of days ago? I was impressed with how interesting , funny and engaging they were. I was yelling at the dashboard: give them a show!!. RAdio really ain't easy and they did it like old pro's [which I guess they are]. They played their fave "45s" and a couple of their songs. Best bit they revealed: the sound effect of the rain at the beginning of The Rain The Park and Other Things is FRYING BACON.
Andy Turner Sirius-xm is a satellite radio company. they have a website if you want to see what its all about. you can listen to it via the website if you subscribe. sometimes they have programs available for replay.
This is awesome to see these personal places and see them sharing their memories with you and us. I admire them for allowing us a look into such personal feelings and pain, with a little happiness sprinkled around them. Boy, what a great childhood I had!
Im shattered that one of my earliest crushes was hurt so bad. She is adorable in every sense of the word. Her lively character was infectious and i shed a tear knowing she went through such horrible pain. xxxxx
WE LOVE SHIRLEY JONES!!! SUCH A CLASSY WOMAN BEAUTIFUL TOO! Shaun looks just like her, especially on the Hardy Boys! A clone of her! :P!!!! BLESS HER, DAVID AND ALL OF HER CHILDREN!!!!
Amazing documentary. I found it really moving, and found out so much about the Cowsills that wasn't available through other sources, so a lot of appreciation for that.
hahahha ok ok cindybin (you weren't put in the SINdy bin for hours at a time by a moralistic and brutal father were you?? Kinda warped you?) jokes over. we get your 'outraged puritan' schtick now.
Your documentary was amazing! I don't know if I should say how many times I've watched it now..a bunch! They are such an amazing family..you can tell they really love one another..and at the same time enjoy their awesome music! Thanks for your hard work and allowing us to see into their lives!!
I still need to pick up a copy of this DVD. I have flickering memories of the Cowsills growing up - but I stumbled onto their great website around 15 years ago. I picked up their 'homemade' DVD of their television clips and purchased their CD's on Ebay. Had the good fortune to see Bob, Paul and Susan in St. Louis this past summer. Always great music from a unique period of time in our history.
Yes, and you can watch the film on Amazon Prime.. You will find the link in the description of this video. That should get you pretty close to ordering the DVD too.
One of my relatives knows I love '60's music (especially of the bubble gum variety) and she saw the movie. She said, 'you just HAVE to see this movie, John.' I just haven't gotten around to ordering it. I'm 57 years old, so my memories of the Cowsills are from my sister's 16 magazines from around 1969/70 (ha!). Louise, I'm glad that you had the fortitude to put this movie together. Going in, I've felt that it would be tough to watch. I picture a lot of sadness and dysfunction - and that's just not a lot of fun to watch. We fans want the musical entertainers we enjoy to have lived problem-free lives - and, obviously, that's not reality. I take it that the surviving Cowsills have made peace with their past and are living healthy lives - at least that's my prayer....;)
There is a lot of joy in the movie. I do think you will enjoy it and learn a bit about life and love and survival and what it means to be a member of a family.
I'm glad you mentioned that, Louise. It sounds good - and I'm sure I will enjoy it. Every family that's ever existed has some dysfunction and things that they need to work through. I can't imagine the pressures that families in the entertainment industry must face....:)
Really? So many of you are shocked because the Cowsills, ie., a real family, from a real world, use profanity. Good grief - wake up, they are NOT the Partridge Family, who were homogenised to appeal to the masses. Give the Cowsills a break. After the things they endured whilst growing up, it's no surprise they have a few rough edges. Let's be thankful that out of such pain came such angelic harmonies and be thankful that we are left with such a wonderful musical legacy.
That is so kind of you to say. The ability to channel pain into creativity is a gift you give to yourself and to others. They do it well, @alterdestiny
Thank you so much again Louise for doing the documentary I don't know what it is but, I just love The Cowsills they are so humble and there music is phenomenal.
I watched it last night and I was happy with the success they had but saddened at the same time because of what they had to endure (along with suffering) and with personal tragedy. It was really well done and I recommend it!
I remember my cousin Joann sending a fan letter to them on her 7th birthday inviting them to her party They sent fan letters in my time to fan clubs Everytime the doorbell rang we were screaming that it was them Lol
Hey Louise, the interview with Bob Cowsill and Shirley Jones was good to listen to of how this got started. I would not have known any of this if you had not made it. But it was all the family that made it a good listen!
wow what a great video! To see and hear some of the members is so great. This is a very well done video with so much good information. I love the Cowsills and always will. Thank you for the video
thanks for the extra footage! I've watched your documentary and the bonus features an embarrassing amount of times. So glad you made this movie! I suppose Hero is too strong a word? :-)
Loved the film, Louise! So glad I heard you on the dork forest where you talked about this movie, otherwise I may never have seen it. You wouldn't happen to know the name of the song that plays when Richard is first brought to attention? Something like "You don't have to cry..."
They still carry that youthful sibling bond.. like they act as if they're still running around, screaming, and driving people crazy.. lol especially Paul lol, and I mean that in a good way :)
I met them after I sang with everybody on stage at the end for an encore at the Happy Together Tour 2017 at the Danbury CT Ives Center, all thanks to my friend to whom I've been friends with on Facebook since I was a freshman in high school.. the one and only... Mr. Howard Kaylan of The Turtles :)
I have always loved the Cowsills and their music. So I'm sure I will. Thank you. I wish I could right a letter to Bob to let him know how much I appreciate them.
@@virginiawalters7841 You could write it here. He may see it. Or there are Facebook pages devoted to The Cowsills and Cowsills fans. He may see it there.
Thank you for this Louise- I had heard some of this over the years but not to this level. This was a very talented family with a lot of tragedy behind the stage. As someone who became an adult at the time the Cowsills came into popularity, I continue to love their music.
It would be fabulous if occasionally one of the family acknowledged the fans particularly in your you tube video comments section Louise .. we hold them dear and are so appreciative of your efforts to make their music and stories more widely accessible
Hi Louise, I was reading something recently and saw a name that reminded me of Cowsill. I have always wondered what happened to them since I loved TRTP&OT when I was little (I swear one of the first things I did when we got the Internet was to enter Cowsill in the search engines before Google and found nada). So I googled them and found you! I have watched so many videos about the Cowsills and read as much as I could find especially about Bill Cowsill whose music I have “discovered” 12 years after Bill’s passing. I was wondering, in the clip with John and Paul, Paul says Bill got his eye shot out. I assume it’s his right eye. Do you know the story of this? I haven’t been able to find any info except I have a vague recollection of his Mom saying he wasn’t able to serve in the military for some reason. I’ve watched the movie several times, too! And, I’d like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication in bringing their stories, lives and music back into mine!
Hi Sally. It's a good question but I think that Paul was exaggerating. Bill may have been injured but he probably fully recovered from that incident. I'm not sure why he didn't serve but during the Viet Nam war many kids who had a higher draft number chose not to go. Paul had a low number and he served in The Navy. You know the story with Richard and Bob and Bill were probably not drafted. Thank you for your kind words!
I just saw Family Band and it brought me here. Love their music! I love the documentary and have watched it twice now. I can relate to it on so many levels since Bud reminded me of my own father. So sorry that the family had to put up with someone like him. I absolutely love Susan’s voice and would love to see any them in concert if they are ever in east Texas.
This was a great documentory, albeit a sad one...I loved the Cowsills music and had such a crush on Barry...I was sad to hear of his and Billy's passing. Always wondered why such a great band had such a short life span. This answered that question. Such a shame. I am sorry you went through all that you did at the hands of your father and a mom that like so many of that era, did not know what to do in that situation. We didn't talk about things like that in the family, let a lone outside the family.
I remember this group loved there album . It was fun time and as a kid you think there a big happy family that wasn't the case . ☹️ There strength got them thru it ❤️
I just watched the full documentary on Amazon Prime. I have trouble sorting out which child is which adult, so further research is required on that. They were very talented. It's really sad in so many ways, but I think they got a little bit of real joy as well. Susan was just so cute, dancing to Indian Lake.
I have not seen this video, but my father was a CPO in the Navy as well. He saw action in Vietnam. Nasty stuff. Maybe their father saw bad action as well and messed with his mind. The Cowsills are legends.
The documentary is so interesting. I thank God that my parents were the opposite. It was so sad to hear that they grew up in terror of their Dad and that their career was derailed by him. I was about the same age as Susan and I remember getting 16 magazine (my Dad couldn't understand why a 9 year-old read 16) and seeing the Cowsills plastered all over it and then suddenly they were...gone. The last few years we've seen some of the Cowsills perform in the Happy Together tour at the OC Fair. They are full of energy and always entertaining. I wish them all the best!
ADORE COWSILLS! SHirley Jones is just ageless,, Very Nice to see them Talk it out after All these years.. Her hands so pretty for a lady her age.. THANKU FOR THIS AWESOME TUBE POST!!!!!!!!
In a family band especially when they are young at the end of the day you go home and be with, guess who? The people you've been around all day long. Even the most successful bands needed a break from each other occasionally.
Sorry,but I have to correct my ramble upon further thought: The show was based upon The Cowsills' story. Been rethinking what I saw with those credits. Was the music played by The Heywoods?? Feel free,anyone,to straighten me out.
If they had better control over their image and had not been so mainstream their careers would have been much better. Sorry to learn about their financial problems
Just watched Family Band in its entirety on Amazon streaming. Such a compelling story, I could not take my eyes off of it. Thank you for tackling this challenging, sad story with sensitivity and intelligence.
Your dad sounds so much like my dad! We grew up in a dysfunctional family as well. I always suspected my dad was a narcissistic psychopath this day he denies everything that he did. And says we were the ones with the bad memories. But you grow up stronger and able to handle a lot more in life than people who didn't have a dysfunctional dad realize
Yung the cowsills band noong late 60s band ang inspiration sa 70s hit show na the patriage family Kung saan sumikat si David Cassidy as teen star that time.
ok, subtracting the showtime previews it may be at the 21:30 mark. its right after artie kornfeld says "there is one thing he left out and that was love" the snipet of the song only last 30 seconds
It's funny that we all know a few of their big hits, but many never really knew of the family. This is overdue. Not clear whether Richard would have liked to have been in the band, was not as musically proficient, or was solely a matter of him being targeted by their father and made to be manager...
Makes sense the Mom was raising her kids on her own on the Partridge Family now they kinda were saying drop the dad you will have a life! The Dad in the Cowsills family was an evil SOB & was not liked at all in the show business world because he was so hard to work with he killed his kids careers!
The obvious question was never asked. What was the mother doing when her husband was beating his kid senseless. And why was she so blasé when Susan came and told her about what happened? This is a documentary? I love them all even more knowing everything they went through and how they could still be professional and creative with all of that going on behind the scenes
It's hard to know the answers because Barbara Cowsill was not alive when we made the documentary. You will find a link to the doc and to the special features in the description above.
They all seem like they are on something... and so much bitterness and resentment, why not just look back on it as a wild ride that many would have loved to go on
When THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY debuted,I was more interested in a show called UFO,on another channel at the same time as THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. I have two brothers,younger than myself,and they wanted to watch UFO as well. And,I have three sisters and they,led by my slightly older sister,the oldest of our bunch,wanted to watch THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. There was only one tv,I believe,available to watch. My Mom must have forced a compromise on all of us,likely one week the Partridges and the other the flying saucers. Don't recall. Too far back. More than likely UFO was scrapped(pretty sure) after only a few shoes and we all ended up watching The Partridges. I think it debuted in 1970,when I was but eight. Over the years it looked hokier and hokier and didn't age well at all beyond a few lasting bits,often from cast member Dave Madden. Anyway...Watching reruns in the later 70s and beyond I noticed a credit given to The Cowsills(We all knew about the fake ''band'' singing and playing----it was pretty obvious---excluding the odd bits sung by Cassidy and Jones,but I didn't know who was really responsible for the music.),a name I recognized but only through ads for records with long gone radio hits for sale(Like K-Tel). I suddenly knew who the real Partridges were. Fascinating stuff.
Love the music ... but the incredibly sad part of this entire tale is that not one of the Cowsills understood(stand) what it means to have a personal relationship with the living Lord Jesus Christ -- starting with Bud. You can hear it as plain as day in all of the stories of all of the children.
The Cowsills will never really know how many thousands of people enjoyed and appreciated their music, lyrics and harmonies. They were original, unique and utterly gifted. Despite what they endured to survive, their music was inspired. Their backstory and music resonates with millions.
Absolutely.
Louise, having worked in HOLLYWOOD for some 40 years as both a writer and studio historian.... and having once lived across the street from the old Columbia Ranch where THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY was shot... I congratulate you on your wonderful and insightful COWSILLS documentary!
Having produced some docs myself I well know the hard work and dedication you put in to your tribute to that musical family. You struck the right balance between the legend and the reality.
Of course the COWSILLS have something in common with THE BEACH BOYS and their abusive father who sold the rights to all their original hits for a pittance.
I specially loved the Shirley Jones "poetic justice" inclusion into your documentary, first time she met the group just incredible and so long overdue...
Someone I know Denny Tedesco spent 12 whole years making THE WRECKING CREW a reality, and his having to pay a whole lot for the rights to use the iconic hits which he was honoring both with the musician talent and the singing artists, and yet his biggest obstacle was the record industry itself... A no-brainer that todays record executives couldn't see how it would benefit their inventory sales... and that documentary went on to become the most watched documentary ever on Netflix.
Anyway, thank you for your sincere and loving efforts in preserving another piece of musical history, us Baby Boomers were so fortunate to have lived through the very best and most diverse music in history specially with the 1960s-70s hits!
Fans don't always realize that fame and glory often come at a high personal price whether its the world's most honored drummer the Wrecking Crew's Hal Blaine, or superstar ELVIS or literally hundreds of others, but when it's a family like the Wilson's or the Cowsills, it's even more sad... I'm sure they are more grateful to you than any of us and rightfully so!
Thank you so much, Graham. I very much appreciate your kind words. I have seen Denny's doc a few times. I've had him on my podcast with Fritz Coleman and I even went to a fundraiser so I could see the doc early and help him reach his goals. I, too, paid way too much for The Cowsills music. It was the costliest part of making the film. I've got a bunch more special features here under the playlist, Documenting The Cowsills. Thanks for watching!
@@louisepalanker Between Sony & Universal they own 85% of the worlds music... and what with Universal and its "fires" where the master recordings of literally hundreds of legendary singers and musicians destroyed because of literally criminal neglect, and music preservation and education has to go begging to these BANK$TER$?
I was at 20th Century-Fox for 25 years, and when I helped celebrate their 75th anniversary by being part of a team organizing a musical concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2010, Fox would not sponsor it, instead Warner's TCM did -go figure!
I produced a 2hr. demo documentary on the studio that was well received by everyone but was never ever going to be made available to the public I was told after. But if you're interested I'd be happy to send you a DVD copy... What THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT did for MGM my salute did for 20th Century-Fox it's that good. grahamhill007@sbcglobal.net
I’ve read too many comments from people who just do not understand what this family went through growing up. Tacky, rude, classless and disrespectful comments that need to be removed, imo. These kids were talented and really great. I wonder how things would’ve been, what paths would’ve been taken had they had a loving home with encouragement and not a father who was a slave driver looking to live off the backs of his kids. I remember how I felt when I first learned just a little of their lives. I was so sad for them. They had to learn to be survivors from Day One. That’s a life of no childhood, just work, work, and more work. God bless them. Thank you for documenting them, Ms Palanker. What truly talented kids they all were, and still are today.
I appreciate your comment so much. Very wise.
Thank you for all this footage, Louise. I was 10 in 1967. I really discovered the family with "Hair."
Oh, you are very welcome, Bruce.
Great to see Shirley Jones!
Yes. She is wonderful!
This documentry is excellent !😊
Thank you so much, Tyrone.
Shirley looks absolutely amazing .... Aging with such grace 💓💓💓
Louise, thank you so much for doing this documentary on The Cowsills. I thought for a long time in my younger adult years { I'm 57 now} , that I was the only one who remembered and cared about The Cowsills. I am so thankful they allowed you to "invade" their lives and gather the info you needed to create this wonderful documentary. Best wishes to all the remaining Cowsills , Bob, Rich , Paul ,John and Susan. R.I.P. to Billy and Barry , we will never forget you guys. Thank you Cowsills for making music that made my growing up more enjoyable . Thank You again , Louise.
Mark Turner
Thank you, so much, Mark. We shared similar experiences growing up with the music of The Cowsills.
Only way I could add to that is, Ditto. All the best Cowsills!
Hola. Tengo 52 añod y soy de Costa Rica, América Central y a pesar de qur nací en 1965 llegué a apreciar grandemente la música de The Cowsills. Thanks a lot for that music guys. Alex Zeledón
yes ty
I watched the documentary a few days ago and am still in shock. That poor family gave so much. Please pass on my best regards and thanks to them for all the fond memories I have of their performances. I had absolutely no idea of their plight.
I will do that 🙂
Oh one more thing.... When can they come to Australia? I'll see what I can do with one of the national TV networks for preliminary interest to test the water....
+Louise Palanker Hi Louise, thank you so much for posting this, I can remember the song flower girl, being played in Australia, and it wasn't until you tube showed the song, I had no idea who sung it ! no did I know what pain the family went through, how did Billy and Barry pass on ? And Susan must be one hell of a strong lady ! darryl.
I was a big Cowsill fan back in the day. To watch this and find out that what was "perceived" back in the day about a big happy family, wasn't real. Didn't know that Bud Cowsill was a SOB. I am looking forward to seeing the whole story of this talented family. You guys still ROCK!!
You can find the doc and the special features on Amazon, Laurie. They do rock!
Holy Smokes! What a fantastic interview! I was such a little kid when the Cowsills were at their height. All of a sudden I've become aware of them, their sound, their tight harmonies and now, their stories. Thank you very much for sharing all of the Family Band with us. Cheers!
It is my pleasure!
I'm so glad they / you were able to make this film while Barry was with us.
You have a knack for capturing the essence of the Cowsills.
I think it's great that this family is: a) still speaking to one another b) still playing and singing together c) being open about being a REAL (dysfunctional) family - I can relate to many of the family dynamic aspects. These are really talented people and regardless of their father's drive to exploit that talent, and how badly he handled just about everything, these are strong spirits and good people who have made and are making good music. I salute you and say "Good for you!" Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Hi Louise. I put this comment in a reply to someone else but I want to say it directly to you: The Cowsills are brave, decent and above all HUMAN and they deserve every bit of praise they receive as both people and artists. To create what they did under those nightmare circumstances is an extraordinary feat. Kudos to them and to you Louise for documenting them.
I really appreciate that, Andy!
andy, did you catch them on Sirius a couple of days ago? I was impressed with how interesting , funny and engaging they were. I was yelling at the dashboard: give them a show!!. RAdio really ain't easy and they did it like old pro's [which I guess they are]. They played their fave "45s" and a couple of their songs. Best bit they revealed: the sound effect of the rain at the beginning of The Rain The Park and Other Things is FRYING BACON.
That's so excellent.
jen vel Hi. I'm in Australia so I'm not sure what Sirius. I would've loved to have seen/heard it though.
Andy Turner Sirius-xm is a satellite radio company. they have a website if you want to see what its all about. you can listen to it via the website if you subscribe. sometimes they have programs available for replay.
This is awesome to see these personal places and see them sharing their memories with you and us. I admire them for allowing us a look into such personal feelings and pain, with a little happiness sprinkled around them. Boy, what a great childhood I had!
Im shattered that one of my earliest crushes was hurt so bad. She is adorable in every sense of the word. Her lively character was infectious and i shed a tear knowing she went through such horrible pain. xxxxx
Had the great pleasure of hearing Billie with his band in Vancouver a number of times before his passing . What a set of pipes !
Absolutely!
WE LOVE SHIRLEY JONES!!! SUCH A CLASSY WOMAN BEAUTIFUL TOO! Shaun looks just like her, especially on the Hardy Boys! A clone of her! :P!!!! BLESS HER, DAVID AND ALL OF HER CHILDREN!!!!
Amazing documentary. I found it really moving, and found out so much about the Cowsills that wasn't available through other sources, so a lot of appreciation for that.
+Parched Pinemarten : )
hahahha ok ok cindybin (you weren't put in the SINdy bin for hours at a time by a moralistic and brutal father were you?? Kinda warped you?) jokes over. we get your 'outraged puritan' schtick now.
In spite of the bad parts of their early lives, it's good to see them relive the more fun and carefree parts.
Yes, it is.
Excellent video and so informative. Thank you for sharing these special moments. ❤
Our pleasure!
Your documentary was amazing! I don't know if I should say how many times I've watched it now..a bunch! They are such an amazing family..you can tell they really love one another..and at the same time enjoy their awesome music! Thanks for your hard work and allowing us to see into their lives!!
Thank you, very much, Denise. I appreciate your kind words.
Just finished watching cowsills family band for the 3rd time...would like to thank Louise for the fantastic job putting it together. Incredible job.
Thank you so much, Dane!
I still need to pick up a copy of this DVD. I have flickering memories of the Cowsills growing up - but I stumbled onto their great website around 15 years ago. I picked up their 'homemade' DVD of their television clips and purchased their CD's on Ebay. Had the good fortune to see Bob, Paul and Susan in St. Louis this past summer. Always great music from a unique period of time in our history.
Yes, and you can watch the film on Amazon Prime.. You will find the link in the description of this video. That should get you pretty close to ordering the DVD too.
One of my relatives knows I love '60's music (especially of the bubble gum variety) and she saw the movie. She said, 'you just HAVE to see this movie, John.' I just haven't gotten around to ordering it. I'm 57 years old, so my memories of the Cowsills are from my sister's 16 magazines from around 1969/70 (ha!).
Louise, I'm glad that you had the fortitude to put this movie together. Going in, I've felt that it would be tough to watch. I picture a lot of sadness and dysfunction - and that's just not a lot of fun to watch. We fans want the musical entertainers we enjoy to have lived problem-free lives - and, obviously, that's not reality. I take it that the surviving Cowsills have made peace with their past and are living healthy lives - at least that's my prayer....;)
There is a lot of joy in the movie. I do think you will enjoy it and learn a bit about life and love and survival and what it means to be a member of a family.
I'm glad you mentioned that, Louise. It sounds good - and I'm sure I will enjoy it. Every family that's ever existed has some dysfunction and things that they need to work through. I can't imagine the pressures that families in the entertainment industry must face....:)
Really? So many of you are shocked because the Cowsills, ie., a real family, from a real world, use profanity. Good grief - wake up, they are NOT the Partridge Family, who were homogenised to appeal to the masses. Give the Cowsills a break. After the things they endured whilst growing up, it's no surprise they have a few rough edges. Let's be thankful that out of such pain came such angelic harmonies and be thankful that we are left with such a wonderful musical legacy.
Absolutely.
Paul King "so many"? I think cindybin is the only one and she's been trolling every Cowsills video I've seen on UA-cam! To shut her down?
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# Hashtag zz
Paul King the reason I put it that way is perhaps it's best to ignore her out of existence yet have a bit of fun doing so. lol
That is so kind of you to say. The ability to channel pain into creativity is a gift you give to yourself and to others. They do it well, @alterdestiny
Thank you so much again Louise for doing the documentary I don't know what it is but, I just love The Cowsills they are so humble and there music is phenomenal.
Yes, they are and it is!
I watched it last night and I was happy with the success they had but saddened at the same time because of what they had to endure (along with suffering) and with personal tragedy. It was really well done and I recommend it!
Thank you so much!
I remember my cousin Joann sending a fan letter to them on her 7th birthday inviting them to her party They sent fan letters in my time to fan clubs Everytime the doorbell rang we were screaming that it was them Lol
That is so cute!
My mother then told me they had more important things to do then to come to a birthday party We were heartbroken
@@janetsavona3542 Oh, Lord. Moms.
Hey Louise, the interview with Bob Cowsill and Shirley Jones was good to listen to of how this got started. I would not have known any of this if you had not made it. But it was all the family that made it a good listen!
wow what a great video! To see and hear some of the members is so great. This is a very well done video with so much good information. I love the Cowsills and always will. Thank you for the video
You are so very welcome!
I adored them so--still
do
BIG HUGS SHIRLEY - I love all your work
Louise thank you so much for the extra footage these two are awsome
Paul, John ,Barry. Bob, Dick and Susan
Oh, you are quite welcome, Janet!
thanks for the extra footage! I've watched your documentary and the bonus features an embarrassing amount of times. So glad you made this movie! I suppose Hero is too strong a word? :-)
Oh, no. I am definitely a hero. : ) Thank you for thanking me!
Loved the film, Louise! So glad I heard you on the dork forest where you talked about this movie, otherwise I may never have seen it. You wouldn't happen to know the name of the song that plays when Richard is first brought to attention? Something like "You don't have to cry..."
Thank you. I believe you are talking about "Signs." It's a song from the album called, II X II.
THEY HV ALL AGED SO FANTASTICALLY!!!
I actually met Paul, Bob, and Sue.. they're all so funny, outgoing, and kind :)
Yes, they really are.
They still carry that youthful sibling bond.. like they act as if they're still running around, screaming, and driving people crazy.. lol especially Paul lol, and I mean that in a good way :)
Yes, they do!
I met them after I sang with everybody on stage at the end for an encore at the Happy Together Tour 2017 at the Danbury CT Ives Center, all thanks to my friend to whom I've been friends with on Facebook since I was a freshman in high school.. the one and only... Mr. Howard Kaylan of The Turtles :)
Oh, that is so very cool!
I found this Documentary, can't wait to get it and see it.
Thank you, Virginia. We hope you enjoy it!
I have always loved the Cowsills and their music. So I'm sure I will. Thank you. I wish I could right a letter to Bob to let him know how much I appreciate them.
@@virginiawalters7841 You could write it here. He may see it. Or there are Facebook pages devoted to The Cowsills and Cowsills fans. He may see it there.
Thank you for this Louise- I had heard some of this over the years but not to this level. This was a very talented family with a lot of tragedy behind the stage. As someone who became an adult at the time the Cowsills came into popularity, I continue to love their music.
Awe. Me too. Thank you for your kind words.
I can't believe 47 years they are always there,I like the song " the Rain,the Park"
It would be fabulous if occasionally one of the family acknowledged the fans particularly in your you tube video comments section Louise .. we hold them dear and are so appreciative of your efforts to make their music and stories more widely accessible
It would be fabulous. I will run it by them.
Louise Palanker Thank you Louise!
You mean to tell me the Partridge family was about the Cowsill's. WHAT. WOW..never connected that
Hi Louise, I was reading something recently and saw a name that reminded me of Cowsill. I have always wondered what happened to them since I loved TRTP&OT when I was little (I swear one of the first things I did when we got the Internet was to enter Cowsill in the search engines before Google and found nada). So I googled them and found you! I have watched so many videos about the Cowsills and read as much as I could find especially about Bill Cowsill whose music I have “discovered” 12 years after Bill’s passing. I was wondering, in the clip with John and Paul, Paul says Bill got his eye shot out. I assume it’s his right eye. Do you know the story of this? I haven’t been able to find any info except I have a vague recollection of his Mom saying he wasn’t able to serve in the military for some reason. I’ve watched the movie several times, too! And, I’d like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication in bringing their stories, lives and music back into mine!
Hi Sally. It's a good question but I think that Paul was exaggerating. Bill may have been injured but he probably fully recovered from that incident. I'm not sure why he didn't serve but during the Viet Nam war many kids who had a higher draft number chose not to go. Paul had a low number and he served in The Navy. You know the story with Richard and Bob and Bill were probably not drafted. Thank you for your kind words!
I was just talking about this band
Unfortunately I seem to be the only one who knows them. What a family!
Yes, and there's a doc you can show your friends. Check the video description.
I just saw Family Band and it brought me here. Love their music! I love the documentary and have watched it twice now. I can relate to it on so many levels since Bud reminded me of my own father. So sorry that the family had to put up with someone like him. I absolutely love Susan’s voice and would love to see any them in concert if they are ever in east Texas.
Thank you. I am sorry you had to put up with that as well. The Cowsills do tour with the Happy Together Tour so keep an eye out for that.
This was a great documentory, albeit a sad one...I loved the Cowsills music and had such a crush on Barry...I was sad to hear of his and Billy's passing. Always wondered why such a great band had such a short life span. This answered that question. Such a shame. I am sorry you went through all that you did at the hands of your father and a mom that like so many of that era, did not know what to do in that situation. We didn't talk about things like that in the family, let a lone outside the family.
Exactly, Karen.
I remember this group loved there album . It was fun time and as a kid you think there a big happy family that wasn't the case . ☹️ There strength got them thru it ❤️
A lotta fun!!
I just watched the full documentary on Amazon Prime. I have trouble sorting out which child is which adult, so further research is required on that. They were very talented. It's really sad in so many ways, but I think they got a little bit of real joy as well. Susan was just so cute, dancing to Indian Lake.
Yes! The more you watch the more you learn about each of them. We've got a few special features here so dive on in!
Who would give this a thumbs down? Let me guess....you were not alive in the 60s? Ok. I get it now. As for me, this is a wonderful documentary film.
Thank you, Tom!
Me. 👎
Just kidding Tom.
Just pulling your chain. 👍
Btw, loved your singing back in the day. "Why, why WHY, Delilah?"
I have not seen this video, but my father was a CPO in the Navy as well. He saw action in Vietnam. Nasty stuff. Maybe their father saw bad action as well and messed with his mind. The Cowsills are legends.
Olá Louise...
Fico aqui pensando como esta banda não vingou aqui no Brasil...sou fã demais!
Como eu queria ouvi-los na rádios brasileiras...
Eu não acho que eles fizeram grande sucesso internacionalmente. Não sei por que, mas todos nós podemos encontrar tudo na internet agora, certo!?
@@louisepalanker fico feliz por isso...
The documentary is so interesting. I thank God that my parents were the opposite. It was so sad to hear that they grew up in terror of their Dad and that their career was derailed by him. I was about the same age as Susan and I remember getting 16 magazine (my Dad couldn't understand why a 9 year-old read 16) and seeing the Cowsills plastered all over it and then suddenly they were...gone. The last few years we've seen some of the Cowsills perform in the Happy Together tour at the OC Fair. They are full of energy and always entertaining. I wish them all the best!
Yes, Janet. It was funny that such little kids were reading a magazine called 16. The publishers must have known that children are aspirational!
Family Band: The Cowsills Story, behind the scenes, extra, raw footage is coming soon to Amazon Streaming... Here is a sneak peek.
LOVE
Two WWW guests... one past, Shirley... the other upcoming May 27th... Bob Cowsill. You rock, Louise!
Yes! Bob Cowsill is the best!!
Louise Palanker is this still on Amazon Streaming??
Yes, it is:
www.amazon.com/Family-Band-Cowsills-Story-Features/dp/B00KFY3YUY
Sent from my iPad
ADORE COWSILLS! SHirley Jones is just ageless,, Very Nice to see them Talk it out after All these years.. Her hands so pretty for a lady her age.. THANKU FOR THIS AWESOME TUBE POST!!!!!!!!
I never knew the partridge family was made after the Cowsills but at the time I had never heard of the Cowsills.
Shirley can really sing. She should appear at their concerts and sing a few songs with the band. Tickets will sell.
In a family band especially when they are young
at the end of the day you go home and be with, guess who? The people you've been around all day long. Even the most successful bands needed a break from each other occasionally.
That's a very good point.
Sorry,but I have to correct my ramble upon further thought: The show was based upon The Cowsills' story. Been rethinking what I saw with those credits. Was the music played by The Heywoods?? Feel free,anyone,to straighten me out.
If they had better control over their image and had not been so mainstream their careers would have been much better. Sorry to learn about their financial problems
I watched this documentary and I thought it was so depressing. I could almost feel their pain when I was watching it.
Is there more of Shirley Jones speaking to them?
This is pretty much it. A lot more than what we used in the movie.
Wow. Had no idea.
Just watched Family Band in its entirety on Amazon streaming. Such a compelling story, I could not take my eyes off of it. Thank you for tackling this challenging, sad story with sensitivity and intelligence.
And thank you for kind post.
Shirley's beautiful in the Music Man.
Paul is still adorable..
Your dad sounds so much like my dad! We grew up in a dysfunctional family as well. I always suspected my dad was a narcissistic psychopath this day he denies everything that he did. And says we were the ones with the bad memories.
But you grow up stronger and able to handle a lot more in life than people who didn't have a dysfunctional dad realize
Oh, Lord. I'm so sorry.
@@louisepalanker it's okay. I just feel a new kinship to the family of the cowsills. They took all the negative and made it into something beautiful
@@flamingpieherman9822 Absolutely.
The "World's Largest Dinosaur" is located in Drumheller, Canada, in the 'Bad Lands' of Alberta.
The all time best family band, so much talent, charm , humor...John was my first boy crush. I.J.S.
They should have done the tv series. Millions more would have seen them.
Yung the cowsills band noong late 60s band ang inspiration sa 70s hit show na the patriage family Kung saan sumikat si David Cassidy as teen star that time.
I'm really sorry about your guy's story. I'm glad you can salvage some good times from it though. I can see God's fingerprints on you
Which two are deceased?
Three siblings are now gone. Barry, Billy and Richard.
I love this : )
Bud cowsill was like Joe Jackson, George Osmond, for starters. So sad that these families paid for the price of fame.
Yes, they did.
Murry Wilson, father of Brian, Carl and Dennis was a shocker too.
@@NewFalconerRecords omg yes! He hit Brian in the ear with a pipe! and he wrote music and deaf in one ear!
George Osmond still gets under my skin...and he is now passed on. What his kids endured. Child abuse.
@@rhymeandreasoning ~~~ I don't think Osmond was as bad . Not from what Donny says. Joe Jackson, now he was the real monster.
great film! can anybody tell me the name of the instrumental song they do at the 23 minute mark of the full film. it rocks!
I am not sure what you mean because at this point in the film, we go from The Rain the Park to We Can Fly. Are you certain about the time?
ok, subtracting the showtime previews it may be at the 21:30 mark. its right after artie kornfeld says "there is one thing he left out and that was love" the snipet of the song only last 30 seconds
cj grant That song, which they are scene performing live, is Silver Threads and Golden Needles. You are hearing the instrumental bridge.
yes, that's it! in the film its looks like the beginning of a song. thanks so much for your assistance with this!
All of the family members have great teeth.
There are many more Cowsills in England than in the USA....
Wow. I think what they learned about their name is that it comes from the words Cows' Hill.
It's funny that we all know a few of their big hits, but many never really knew of the family. This is overdue. Not clear whether Richard would have liked to have been in the band, was not as musically proficient, or was solely a matter of him being targeted by their father and made to be manager...
Richard was a drummer in the band and dad forced him to go to Vietnam. He didn't like his one son. Sad!
Who's singing the opening song of this video? I love it.
This is The Cowsills with Some Good Years. It is available on their Global album.
I found it, thanks, i love it.
Makes sense the Mom was raising her kids on her own on the Partridge Family now they kinda were saying drop the dad you will have a life! The Dad in the Cowsills family was an evil SOB & was not liked at all in the show business world because he was so hard to work with he killed his kids careers!
Very good point.
Honor your Father and Mother .
Left and right audio switched on talk between Bob and Shirley. Very annoying!
The two standing beside their mom @ 0:01, who is who? I get so confused.
That is, left to right, Bob, Mom, Bill.
I mean the younger boys next to her. I know the one's in the back are Bob, Bill & Paul.
Got it. OK, Left to right: John, Bob, Mom, Bill, Barry, Paul. Susan in front.
Oh, thank you!
Why didn't mom protect the kids? The Cowsills where good @ what price did they pay!
They put out some pretty good stuff, liked it. Sorry folks, the men thought they were just a little too stinking cute.
Susan still has that cute overbite.
No rompieron el molde que barbaros
i interviewed them also its on my site check it out its good
+Network Video Will do!
beach boys and cow sills same thing
The obvious question was never asked. What was the mother doing when her husband was beating his kid senseless. And why was she so blasé when Susan came and told her about what happened? This is a documentary? I love them all even more knowing everything they went through and how they could still be professional and creative with all of that going on behind the scenes
It's hard to know the answers because Barbara Cowsill was not alive when we made the documentary. You will find a link to the doc and to the special features in the description above.
They were serious, chronic alcoholics----- Both parents, according to the documentary
ah, Drumheller, Alberta and the worlds largest dinosaur !
You recognized it! We were driving from Calgary to Saskatoon.
actually i haven't been there for 20 years....i must go back there soon!
And those rocks looks like there alligator.
They all seem like they are on something... and so much bitterness and resentment, why not just look back on it as a wild ride that many would have loved to go on
When THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY debuted,I was more interested in a show called UFO,on another channel at the same time as THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. I have two brothers,younger than myself,and they wanted to watch UFO as well. And,I have three sisters and they,led by my slightly older sister,the oldest of our bunch,wanted to watch THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. There was only one tv,I believe,available to watch. My Mom must have forced a compromise on all of us,likely one week the Partridges and the other the flying saucers. Don't recall. Too far back. More than likely UFO was scrapped(pretty sure) after only a few shoes and we all ended up watching The Partridges. I think it debuted in 1970,when I was but eight. Over the years it looked hokier and hokier and didn't age well at all beyond a few lasting bits,often from cast member Dave Madden. Anyway...Watching reruns in the later 70s and beyond I noticed a credit given to The Cowsills(We all knew about the fake ''band'' singing and playing----it was pretty obvious---excluding the odd bits sung by Cassidy and Jones,but I didn't know who was really responsible for the music.),a name I recognized but only through ads for records with long gone radio hits for sale(Like K-Tel). I suddenly knew who the real Partridges were. Fascinating stuff.
Yes, it is!
She looks a lot like HRC.
No she doesn't. Every women with short blond hair and is over 50 doesn't make them a HRC look-a-like.
If their mother was such a 'wise *ss' why didn't she defend her children and divorce the weirdo!
an american family
Yes, indeed.
What’s the truth about your dad you told Joan rivers a different story???
That was before they were ready to share the whole story. The truth is here and in the documentary.
Love the music ... but the incredibly sad part of this entire tale is that not one of the Cowsills understood(stand) what it means to have a personal relationship with the living Lord Jesus Christ -- starting with Bud. You can hear it as plain as day in all of the stories of all of the children.