The Cowsills In Magazines

ON STAGE six swinging Cowsills (below) sing out one of their latest hits, "We Can Fly." And they certainly do — NewsTime found out when a reporter talked to two of the group. Thirteen-year-old Barry (with guitar at microphone, below right) and 12-year-old John (at the drums, below left) told of the group's recent return from a European tour. After flying back from Italy, where they represented the U.S. in the San Remo Music Festival, the Cowsills appeared on a Today TV show. Several more appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show are scheduled. Now the Cowsills, who are based in New York City, are making ready for five days' appearances (three shows a day) at Disneyland in April. After their first big record success, "The Rain, the Park, and Other Things," the Cowsills seemed to "catch fire" with fans last fall. Their popularity crosses

age barriers with fans ranging from 10-year-olds to old-timers. Some fans especially appreciate the swinging treatment the Cowsills give to older rock 'n' roll songs of the early 1950's,such as "Mr. Postman," included in their programs. Most of their music material is fresh and new - some of it composed by 20-year-old Bill (with guitar at far left microphone) and 18-year-old Bob (at organ at far right). Their composition "(Stop, Look) Is Anyone There?" is a good example of the group's smooth, sweet sound at its best. When their songs don't fall into these categories, they are the wailin' kind with hard knocks and - beats - such as "Troubled Roses." The combination of voices includes two females - the boys' mother, Barbara, and the youngest Cowsill, Susan, 8. Is this the whole family? Not quite! See article below.

OFF STAGE nine Cowsills make up the whole family. NetvsTime's cover shows Bill, Susan, and Bob in the front row: backed by John, Barbara, 16-year-old Paul, Bud (the father), Barry, Bob's 18-year-old twin Dick, and Bob. When NewsTime talked to Barry and John, they explained that the whole family is involved with the act. Paul and Dick work behind the scenes making sure everything is in order with the sound and lighting equipment. Their Dad is the company's road manager. When he retired from the Navy five years ago, Bud Cowsill decided to promote his gifted family's music-making ability. When Bill and Bob were small and their father came home on leave, he would bring a guitar or other stringed instrument as a souvenir. The boys began to play them well, and to sing along in their fine voices. Barry showed talent with drums - which John wanted

to take over. "I was given a bass guitar instead - which I learned to play in three days," Barry said. "The four of us practiced a lot," continued, "and played for small community gatherings, such as card parties at first. Our first big date was at Brown University in Rhode Island." The family's 22-room mansion is in Newport, R.I.; but with the boom in the Cowsills' career, the family has relocated to New York City. Susan and Barbara became a permanent part of the group this fall. Barry, John, and Susan had attended St. Augustin's School in Rhode Island. Now they go to the Professional Children's School, which lets them take time out for tours and still keep up with their work. Barry concluded, "My fan mail keeps me busy, too, ever since 'Mr. Postman' became one of my regular numbers."