The Cowsills were a singing group from Newport, Rhode Island specializing in what would later be defined as bubblegum pop. The band was formed in the spring of 1965 by four brothers — Barry, Bill, Bob, and John Cowsill. After their initial success, the brothers were later joined by their siblings, Susan and Paul and their mother, Barbara. Rounding out the group was remaining brother Richard, who did not sing with the group (due to a hearing disability) but was assigned as road manager and advisor. Origins and early successes Originally inspired by the Everly Brothers and later the Beatles, The Cowsills' musical interest started while (their father) Bud Cowsill was stationed in Canton, Ohio in the late 1950s as a Navy recruiter. Bud and Barb encouraged Billy and Bob to take guitar lessons. The boys developed their musical talent and harmonized vocals and they gave performances at school church dances in Stark County, Ohio. The boys' first t