Bud Cowsill was the lead singer and guitarist of The Cowsills, a family pop group that had several hits in the late 1960s and inspired the TV show The Partridge Family. He was also a successful alt-country artist and producer in Canada from the mid-1970s until his death in 2006. But how did he die and what were the circumstances surrounding his passing? Here is a brief overview of his life and death.
Early Life and Career with The Cowsills
Bud Cowsill was born on January 9, 1948, in Middletown, Rhode Island, as the eldest of seven children. He started singing and playing guitar with his younger brother Bob at a young age, and they formed The Cowsills with their brothers Barry and John in 1965. Their father, William “Bud” Cowsill, a retired navy officer, became their manager and later added their mother Barbara, brother Paul, and sister Susan to the band. The Cowsills had a unique sound that blended pop, rock, folk, and country influences, and they became famous for their harmonies and wholesome image.
The Cowsills had their first major hit in 1967 with “The Rain, The Park & Other Things”, which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies. They followed it with other successful singles, such as “We Can Fly”, “Indian Lake”, and “Hair”, the title song from the musical. They also released several albums, appeared on numerous TV shows, and performed at the White House for President Nixon. They were considered one of the most popular and influential family bands of the era, and they inspired the creation of The Partridge Family, a sitcom about a musical family that starred Shirley Jones and David Cassidy.
However, behind the scenes, the Cowsills faced many challenges and difficulties. Their father was a strict and abusive manager who controlled their finances, career decisions, and personal lives. He also had a drinking problem and often clashed with his children, especially Bill, who was the leader and main songwriter of the band. According to the documentary Family Band: The Cowsills Story, Bill was fired by his father in 1970 after they had a physical altercation, which resulted in Bud being arrested for assault. The Cowsills also lost their contract with MGM Records and their TV deal with ABC, and they struggled to maintain their popularity and relevance in the changing music scene. By 1972, the band had officially disbanded and went their separate ways.
Solo Career and Move to Canada
After leaving The Cowsills, Bud Cowsill pursued a solo career and moved to Los Angeles, where he recorded an album called Nervous Breakthrough in 1973. However, the album was never released due to legal issues with his former label. He then joined a country-rock band called Blue Northern, which had some success in Canada and released two albums in 1979 and 1981. Bud Cowsill decided to stay in Canada and settled in Vancouver, where he became a prominent figure in the alt-country scene. He also worked as a producer and songwriter for other artists, such as Lisa Brokop, Patricia Conroy, and The Cruzeros.
Bud Cowsill also reunited with his siblings on several occasions, such as the 1990 Newport Folk Festival, where they performed as The Cowsills for the first time in 18 years. He also participated in various post-heyday incarnations of the band, such as The Cowsills Plus One, which included his brother-in-law Waddy Wachtel, a renowned guitarist and producer. He also recorded a solo album called As Is in 1998, which featured original songs and covers of his favorite artists, such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Gram Parsons.
Death and Legacy
Bud Cowsill died on February 18, 2006, in Calgary, Canada, at the age of 58. He had been suffering from multiple illnesses, such as osteoporosis, emphysema, and Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder that causes weight gain, muscle weakness, and depression. He also had a history of substance abuse and had been trying to overcome his addiction to alcohol and painkillers. He was planning to enter a rehab facility in Los Angeles, but he never made it. His death came just a few months after his brother Barry Cowsill drowned in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Bud Cowsill was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean, along with his brother Barry’s and his parents’ ashes. His family and friends held two memorials for him in Newport and Vancouver, where they celebrated his life and music. He was survived by his three children, his five siblings, and his many fans and admirers. He was remembered as a talented and charismatic singer, musician, and songwriter, who had a passion for music and a love for his family. He was also praised for his contributions to the pop and country genres, and for his influence on many artists who followed his footsteps.
Bud Cowsill’s cause of death was a tragic end to a remarkable career that spanned four decades and two countries. He left behind a legacy of songs and memories that will live on in the hearts of his listeners. He was one of the pioneers of the family band phenomenon, and one of the most versatile and creative artists of his generation. He was Bud Cowsill, and he will be missed.
