The Cowsills • “Indian Lake” • LIVE 1968 [Reelin' In The Years Archive]

[@Jukebox45s]

Heartwarming to see Dick come on stage. What a special moment for this family that deserved so much more success (and happiness) than what they received. Amazing live performance.

[@dansmusic5749]

Yeah, their story is so real and tragic. Yet we can all still see what talent they had. One of my favorites then and now.

[@hellomcflyy]

insanely tight on stage - giving the Beach Boys a run for their with the complex harmonies here...nice

[@grouchosays]

Perfect 6 part!

[@fueledbylove]

their... Money?

[@georgewhitfield6154]

They reminded me of the Beach Boys.

[@twoguys70]

After Bill was ousted from the group, the Beach Boys approached him about joining them.

[@rjsegedin7116]

John Cowsill played keyboards and drums for the Beach Boys from 2000-2023

[@brian4605]

best version of Indian lake ive ever heard ! .. thanks , so much !

[@normankennith7919]

this must have been quite daunting for them playing before hundreds of american soldiers, especially as they were so young but they nailed it! many famous bands around this time couldn't play their instruments but the cowsills most certainly could!! glastonbury for the cowsills in 2025?

[@lyndy2026]

Thank you for posting! Seeing them performing is so great for overseas fans who were never lucky enough to see them live. THANK YOU SO MUCH ❤️

[@billymac72]

Awesome!! Totally made my day. Seek out Bob Cowsill doing this song solo acoustic. He offers some pretty hilarious commentary about it. Btw, that’s Bob on keyboards here with older brother Bill on guitar, Paul on tambourine, John on drums, Barry on bass and mother Barbara and sister Susan on backing vocals. Can be confusing because Barry played drums at times, Paul keys and Bob and Bill both on guitar.

[@Dakota-xi6cg]

I always cry when I think of Barry & what he went through with his abusive father then he dies first. I loved him!

[@rockobill7637]

thanks for identifying them...I don't know who else, including members of the family, can tell them apart except for a positive ID of the old lady and the girl

[@riversidemike1]

I just loved them still do

[@billmercer9917]

We were lucky to have Bill living and playing in Vancouver for quite a few years .

[@billmercer9917]

Bill was in a band here called the Blue Shadows and they released 2 albums in the mid nineties . Really worth checking out .

[@cowsills.enthusiast]

Has to be the best version of “Indian Lake” I’ve ever seen them do! Thanks for the upload! 😃

[@REALRICHVICTOR]

Do you know how hard this is to nail a difficult number live? This is flawless. Talented family. Always liked this song.

[@FlipDahlenburg]

It's that great Army Surplus P.A. gear!

[@davidclark2618]

So happy to have stumbled upon this. Doing one of my favourite songs, live. They were indeed talented, singing and playing live like this. Not like that "other" band...lol.

[@philiphatfield5666]

Thanks for not naming 'them'. I just ate a chicken pot pie and it tasted great going down but thinking about 'them' too much could cause me to puke! Strumming a bass guitar? Quick, get me a bucket!

[@frankcourtright6846]

Those harmonies are amazing and it's live no studio gimmicks.

[@SirManfly]

How did that woman pop out 7 kids and stay that skinny???

[@iamgermane]

So, they were the inspiration for TV's "Partridge Family" eh?

[@Sandsculptor]

This song was a hit in the Summer of 1968. I was in the US Army, and in my AIT training at Fort Lee, VA. I went home on a weekend pass and married my high school sweetheart. We both knew I'd be going to the Vietnam War. We rented a trailer off base, and we spent the best three months of our lives. That summer was a difficult time. Martin Luther King was killed, and later Bobby Kennedy was assassinated as well. There were race riots in the biggest cities in the USA. We listened to the radio a lot, and this song "Indian Lake" played all the time. We would sing to songs we heard on the radio, to help us forget the bad times of the 1960s. After I finished my Army training, I got my orders to go to the Vietnam War. By August 12, 1968, I found myself in the Central Highlands near the Cambodian border. It was a long year. I was in a helicopter unit and survived 3 flying mishaps. In August of 1969, I made it home to the arms of my wife and we quickly resumed singing together to songs such as... "Indian Lake."

[@michaelmartin1414]

Thanks for sharing! And thank you for your service!

[@davideley7253]

awesome memories from sooooo long ago!!!!!! I was 6 in1968 but I loved this band!!!!! All the way from Australia

[@loris9744]

My dad was a sgt at Ft Lee. We lived in Petersburg

[@favoritesyoutube5476]

I really enjoyed this Video. Thanks for Sharing the Music with the World.

[@kevintownsend7469]

They were and still are, the real deal.

[@dougpeters1625]

It takes extraordinary talent to perform vocals and harmonies live like that!

[@frankfielder]

I agree they are incredible!!

[@phillipstankey8881]

I swear you could wake that family up at 3 am and force them to sing immediately and they would be in perfect harmony

[@dougpeters1625]

@@phillipstankey8881 lol probably!

[@danp.6082]

And they played guitar bass drums and organ while doing it.

[@dansmusic5749]

​@@danp.6082 All at a tender age, astonishing.

[@bonnefraher1709]

More talent than some who are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@FlipDahlenburg]

They rehearsed like crazy under their father's strict, alcoholic, abusive guidance. The son in the the army was forced to go there when he wouldn't put up with Dad anymore and was fired. That little girl is a tremendous singer, she's on a KZbin site where they performing on Hugh Hefner's old show. The mother I could to without.

[@TrentonMakesMusic]

How great is this?!?! Love seeing them playing live and they are killing it! They really were a great live act.

[@edwardanthony7283]

They still do

[@holtridge7337]

Definitely

[@azbluefox]

They were bankrupt too. Their manager (their father Bud Cowsill), pissed away all their money while he was also womanizing all over the place.

[@Paul-lm5gv]

They had a bunch of hits - known for their great harmony - and were the inspiration for the Partridge Family TV show! The three surviving Cowsills are still performing today!

[@RepriseFan]

Actually 4, John Cowsill has been the BeachBoys drummer for 20 years.

[@bobgordon236]

@@RepriseFan Also with the Shaggs.

[@williamratcliffe7794]

@@RepriseFan Actually 3 of the 4 remaining members still tour together. John hasn't been with the Beach Boys for a few years now

[@RepriseFan]

@@williamratcliffe7794 My reply was to the statement that only 3 Cowsills survive, not if John Cowsill was still with The Beachboys.

[@bluebird925]

John Cowsill got let go by the Beach Boys a year or two ago. He's with the surviving 3 on a recent KZbin video.

[@TheRoyalBavarian]

I forget half the great music I grew up with. This family owned a part of my radio.

[@Dave-lq2le]

I miss those days so much!!!

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Me too. Great times except for the War in Vietnam. Semper Fi from an old Marine Sergeant

[@Dave-lq2le]

@@usmc-veteran73-77 Bless you and thanks!

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

@Dave-lq2le Thank you Dave.

[@crapple009]

@@usmc-veteran73-77 As well as the Manson Family freaks, who were still on the loose at the time.

[@maximelabrecque-u6f]

In 1968 this song was no 1 and i remember a great party to the Platsburg beach

[@petercadieux783]

A Montrealer, I am guessing?

[@RepriseFan]

No. 1 in New Zealand, but I think you meant US and that song peaked at 10 on Billboard hot 100.

[@charlesevans9204]

I am guessing u mean Plattsburgh Ny I grew up in Hudson Falls/Glens Falls/Saratoga region been to Plattsburgh Beach many times

[@TWTexasA1]

I can’t believe I’ve never seen this clip I thought I’d seen all of them…this is great ✌🏼✌🏼

[@robyntattersall236]

Fabulous live performance . Uniquely multi talented family

[@bobgordon236]

Yes. Right up there with The Archies.

[@njlauren]

​@@bobgordon236 The Archie's were a group of studio musicians.

[@dewaynejimison3858]

Still one of my favorite songs from my childhood!!!

[@davidboyce8683]

This is real Americana right here .

[@cpj0303]

This song is one of my all-time favorites from when I was a little kid. Still makes me happy today. :-)

[@RepriseFan]

To think Richard would serve 2 tours of Viet Nam to get away from his dad speaks of how evil Bud Cowsill was. However, Rich looks great there and the whole family together live is a rare thing to see.

[@duckbrew]

I'm pretty sure his dad said YOU WILL go in the service. Those 2 from what I've read did not get along.

[@SwingingCreeper]

Yes, according to the documentary “Family Band” Bud had a hatred of Richard and basically sent him off to the military. Bill Cowsill wanted him to join the group as a second drummer. Let’s just say the experience really screwed up Richard

[@beverlywilliams7278]

​@@SwingingCreeperthat's so sad. 😢 It baffles me that parents can be so hateful toward their own children.

[@GS-vb3zn]

@@beverlywilliams7278 It’s called being a toxic narcissist.

[@beverlywilliams7278]

@@GS-vb3zn I know one and he makes everyone miserable. It's sad

[@ringer4883]

What a great clip. Perfect harmonies and the drummer is terrific. Well rehearsed and skilled band.

[@Kevscancave]

@ringer4883 Totally agree! I listen to this at least once a day… so glad it was recommended in my feed!

[@andrewd7586]

As an Aussie kid born in 1962, this song was huge here, as were several others! I loved their songs back then & now bring back just lovely memories of growing up at this time. 🥰👍🏼😎🇦🇺

[@Michael-nf1ej]

Just great! The Cowsills were just super...Billy!

[@MikeD_]

Great find. And great tune. The Cowsills were excellent live. Still are, although several of them are now sadly missing.

[@inwoodliver]

Susan has done concerts w mark Lindsay if I am not mistaken

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Thanks to Richard's family for him serving in the Army and Vietnam. Thanks for uploading this. A great group, The Cowsills. Semper Fi.

[@kensmith2839]

Semper Fi, 72-76

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

@@kensmith2839 we were in the Marine Corps about the same time Semper Fi, 73-77

[@danielmiller210]

Sounds like Richard was a true American even though it was a shity war thank you for your service Richard he was a true American

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

@danielmiller210 I agree the Vietnam War was one messed up War.

[@joelanderos23]

@@usmc-veteran73-77 as nearly everyone knows by now vietnam was never made a war. that's why it was called the vietnam conflict. us army 73-86.

[@ralphsanchico2452]

This song always reminded me of when I was on a bus with a bunch of other kids and councelors going to our 2 week camp in upstate NY AND a river to swim in! Perfect song for the moment and memories!

[@ralphsanchico2452]

Correction, it was a lake! Sorry!

[@Sal.Manila]

I love this live performance of Indian Lake! The harmonies are sung beautifully. Long live The Cowsills.

[@JeffDean-sk7hk]

Just saw them last night during the Happy Together tour. Two of the brothers and Susan...they were great!

[@iamgermane]

So, they were the inspiration for TV's "Partridge Family" eh?

[@boatsonsand]

@@iamgermanethat’s correct.

[@boatsonsand]

I had my first music crush on Susan when I was about 10-12.(‘66-68). Had poster and full page magazine photos up on my walls. I’ve watched her and 2 brothers on their current shows and she is STILL so sexy and cute! ❤️‍🔥🩷

[@johnstrandberg2157]

When I found this it blew my mind. What awesome talent!

[@dannybusse1637]

Great to see all 7 of them together in their hey day. There is nothing like sibling harmonies. I have been a big fan since 1968.

[@davidhull1481]

Like them or not, you gotta give them credit for being real musicians.

[@jimmayors2315]

What a talented bunch of people. I was 9 at this time and remember the Cowsills fondly. Wholesomeness! Something our society today seems to be lacking!

[@sheilaclarke3707]

If you read about their lives, the kids did NOT have a wholesome upbringing.

[@jimmayors2315]

@@sheilaclarke3707 What book would you recommend?

[@richardglueck7080]

I always thought well of the Cowsills. I have a feeling they've greatly unrated themselves as a group. They were really good.

[@roadrunner3867]

bubble gum music. I loved it.

[@edwardanthony7283]

3 still perform as of 2024 & great at that!

[@philiphatfield5666]

I saw them at a Six Flags. They were good, solid musicians. Of course, boys of that era loved Susan. I still do!

[@kemouse]

Same here. It was her, Angela Cartwright and Marie Osmond that I had crushes on! 🙂

[@calhounhills860]

@@kemouse Angela Cartwright, Mary Tyler Moore and Susan Dey here

[@Marvis-w2l]

@@calhounhills860 Suzanne Pleshette

[@mrstacyj9496]

Thanks for sharing. Wow almost 60 years ago! Sounded pretty good.

[@donniemoyer9261]

one of my most fav songs from way back..thanks

[@jmikeperkins]

This is a wonderful clip! A real find.

[@martinwhite6891]

Great performance! I still love this song.

[@daviddean9133]

I was in the USA July and August of 1967,from the UK visiting friends in Chicago. This song was being played all the time, absolutely loved it. Whenever I hear it these days, it takes me back to that wonderful holiday in America.

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

So glad to see them loving our troops in a time when so many others did not. The Cowsills did more than make great hits. They are one of America's greatest bands.

[@goaskyourmom7671]

You have to go watch the documentary about them.

[@MichaelNatale-q1d]

I was a Gi in this audience

[@jmikeperkins]

It's also fabulous to see ANYTHING from the Operation Entertainment show. That was an amazing network TV show which has largely been lost and forgotten. It's time for that footage to surface!

[@MovieMakingMan]

Being a teenager in the 60s I was so spoiled. I just thought great music was a background to everyone’s lives. But now, in 2024, I realize how lucky I was to experience music in the 60s and 70s. There will NEVER be another era when there was so much talent and variety. I could list off a hundred great songs then but I can’t name one song from today. Back then almost everyone knew the songs. Some songs were instant hits everyone knew and sang along with. Fun songs like the Streaker and Pina Colata. Music brought people together. Most people today love to listen to those old songs because there aren’t any good songs. I’m so fortunate to have the best music in history while I was growing up.

[@bobparker8294]

A lot of "live" videos from the '60s are actually slip-synced, so it's cool to see these folks actually playing and singing. The real deal!

[@brian4605]

ya thats a great point about the lipped -synched !!

[@Ivartshiva]

I came to check out the amps and gear but now I don't want to be in a band anymore

[@paulhanson7329]

Not like this just on television like the glen campbell good time show. This was not lip synced. I worked in the industry.

[@bobparker8294]

@@paulhanson7329 You worked with Glen Campbell? I am in awe. Something a lot of people don't know is what a stellar guitarist he was. I once saw him and Roy Clark on the Carson show playing ONE guitar. Clark stood behing Campbell and they took turns playing rhythm and lead on the same instrument. It was simultaneusly funny and amazing--two very gifted instrumentalists.

[@lyndy2026]

so true. They were so good and such youngsters! John was only 7 or 8 when he started in the band! Susan was the youngest person to have a number 1 record!

[@MrFantasia40]

wow talk about a blast from the past! I had never heard them sing live they sounded good

[@JeffreyHansell]

1967, living in Lincoln Village, west side of Columbus, listening to the Top Ten at Ten on WCOL AM with my older brother, on our transistor radio. This song defined that time for me.

[@LarryNeie-lj7zc]

Saw the band live at the Texas State Fair, must've been '67 when The Rain The Park and Other Things was all over AM radio.

[@veeve1]

BARRY WAS A BORN ENTERTAINER. EVEN FROM A LITTLE FELLOW LIKE HE WAS HERE.

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

So, was Barry on the bass here? And Bob on keyboard?

[@chuckkrafft7168]

Yes​@@williamj.sheehan2001

[@bobgordon236]

I HEARD JON LENNON WAS INFLUENCED BY HIM. What a great loss when he kicked the bucket.

[@nsbd90now]

What is so crazy is that they are actually performing... no backing tapes then.

[@Toshie69]

I saw them live in the summer of 1969...they really rocked.

[@nsbd90now]

@@Toshie69 Wow! That is so wild you saw the Cowsills in real life! I remember seeing them on the Ed Sullivan Show. Also wild how their music still works.

[@mercurylegion]

Unbelievable!!! The most underrated band since Jan and Dean! This gives me chills! Just plain AWESOME!!!!!

[@gli7utubeo]

One of the best Reelin' In The Years IMHO... thanks.

[@Anna.L.M.Troyer]

What a super amazing sound!!! 🤩🤩🤩🌞🌞🌞 ❤️💜💙❤️💜💚💜💙❤️

[@jeffreylind3739]

Great video, good sound, and the performance was top notch! I actually grew up within walking distance to "Indian Lake" and spent many happy hours there hanging out with friends.

[@Debbienezfan]

Indian Lake NY?

[@jeffreylind3739]

@@Debbienezfan No. It's in central MA.

[@rosemarybaker8820]

I love how all the kids really love what they are doing. Its great to see families like this.

[@darlenegeloso3164]

Have you seen their story, and the brother was forced to go into the military, kicked out of the band, mom was a party girl dad was abusive including SA of daughter

[@rosemarybaker8820]

@@darlenegeloso3164 No I didn't know. What a sad story. It happens too much.

[@pameladircks-meacham5181]

Nice to see Richard!! thank you for your service! RIP! Richard!

[@bobgordon236]

Did he drown ? Homeless guy I read.

[@stanleyjohnson2291]

Born and raised in Warwick RI. I saw them in concert at Rocky Point Amusement Park. Great show!

[@mjames4709]

Brilliant!

[@robertblair9988]

They were very talented and underrated.

[@Wolfie66]

This song reminds me of being a kid and listening to the kitchen AM radio!

[@bigbadbillb]

This live version is way better than the record. No lipsynching, no auto tune.....it's all just them playing. They were really tight.

[@Wolfgang-the-Gray]

They didn't have auto-tune in those days.

[@bigbadbillb]

@@Wolfgang-the-Gray Yes, I know. My point was that it wasn't needed then because these artists were truly talented, unlike a lot of acts nowadays that have to rely on technology to sound good....and I won't name anyone here.

[@peatmoss4415]

@@bigbadbillb Wolf Gang is always late for the party....

[@randymerlo4070]

Mom ruins the whole thing being there

[@nickhill8612]

​@@randymerlo4070 Why

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

As "Jukebox" said immediately below, this was a dang good live performance!

[@marywatkins6798]

I was 7. I remember this song very well. The Cowsills, looking back, were really talented. My fave of their’s was “The Rain, The Park . . .”

[@allenconway1362]

I've loved this band since I was 6 and I still love listening to them great family

[@thomastimlin1724]

They were a more Bad Ass Band than people think. this is amazing, caught then at the top of their game, I wanna see the whole concert.

[@JuricksEnterprise]

You can watch this and see how there were the inspiration for "The Partridge Family" TV show a few years later.

[@matty1953565962]

Yeah, they even stole their vocal harmonies.

[@philiphatfield5666]

Please----don't make me puke.

[@warrenwiley5656]

Not just the inspiration. I remember reading an article on the development of the show that mentioned it was supposed to star the Cowsills. But development took so long that it was decided the older boys were too old, so the plug was pulled and they decided to recast the show completely.

[@speedracer2336]

I remember this song as being a monster hit, on the radio all the time!

[@thomaswoodmancy7096]

A classic from my youth.. I love it! ❤

[@billr2375]

Wow Fort Gordon, Ga--68...son Dickie was there, and probably heading to Viet Nam shortly after--just how it went for all GI's back then. God Bless them all

[@BeatlesGirlKaren]

I love the cool retro sound of your latest song, JT - nice lyrics & texture!

[@fairweatherrider1]

First of all, thanks beyond words to Richard for serving. The summer of my 14th year, this might have been my favorite song.

[@ParkerPlaza]

Great memories listening. Love this song.

[@fernandoduran2094]

Sure, I loved Andy Williams at Christmas & always will. Sweet man with a great voice. I look forward to spending Christmas & hearing Andy crank out those timeless Christmas classics like silver bells , the most wonderful time of the year, holy night, rest in peace Andy

[@creedamiyahsnipp]

I'm changing their name to the Wowsills! I feel so much loving affection and respect for them. They went through so much to give us so much. My 💔 for the family dynamics...may all who have passed RIP and may those who are left be blessed with memories, music, happiness and great health. 🎶

[@bobgordon236]

I understand they all ended up broke and in very poor health. Several crocked from lung cancer I was told. Heavy smokers I guess. I heard Susan started smoking at age 9. Hardcore.

[@debrajcw6028]

Thank you for this, love them,saw them live,and they sounded letter perfect, beautiful harmonies,and thanks so much!🥰❤❤❤❤

[@Scott-r5q5v]

❤ l haven't heard this song since i was 16 glad to hear it's still being played ❤❤""

[@garyzink1927]

I grew up in love/infatuated with susan! Still some of my favorite songs. Peace from Northern Michigan.

[@waitn4theharpazo]

I had such a crush on Barry Cowsill back in the day.

[@bobgordon236]

Was he Asian. ??

[@waitn4theharpazo]

@@bobgordon236 No the Cowsills were not Asian.

[@anthonytaylor7327]

They were SO good!

[@russellcampbell9198]

Excellent. Thanks for the post.

[@TheTerryGene]

I was a big Cowsills fan and saw them in concert. Sadly, we lost Barbara in 1985, Barry in 2005 in Hurricane Katrina, Bill the next year and Richard in 2014.

[@cmurdock5256]

It took them almost 4 months to find Barry's body and declare him legally dead. Bill actually died in February of 2006 on the same day of one of the two memorials the Cowsill family held for Barry. One in Newport Rhode Island and one in New Orleans.

[@Sheba-bh7lc]

Such talent! They were wonderful!

[@drender19]

This is incredible! I’ve seen lots of TV footage of The Cowsills that was all lip syncing to their recordings. To hear them live is a real treat, and their harmonies and musicianship shines through magnificently. And to think this is before concert PA systems were built using many many microphones to capture the sound and before you could record off of a master soundboard. The sound of this recording is mind-boggling. Thank you for sharing this.

[@Arlene2]

That was fun, thanks for sharing 😊

[@MarthaAWellman]

Susan has worked on several projects apart from The Cowsills. If you can, check out her gorgeous version of "Galveston", I believe it is on a solo CD.

[@johnlargan6045]

I've seen The Cowsills a few time in recent years. They are always awesome live. But what a wonderful thing to be able to see this footage of them so young and in their prime! This footage should qualify them for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! They're amazing!

[@nicholasbrowning4558]

John Cowsill is a great drummer.

[@nicholasbrowning4558]

@@drc3po He was friends with Brian Wilson. A great drummer and singer as well.

[@paulstrecher6194]

Barry doing a pretty good job (& really grooving) on bass, too.

[@frankleslie2774]

@@drc3po I like his version of "Wild Honey". Sad Mike Love let him go from the touring Beach Boys to "change things up."

[@JoelMtz-f2v]

Que época tan maravillosa 👍👍👍 Golden years forever 👍⭐🌟✨

[@JeffMcNeal]

They were (and remain) an American treasure.

[@danp.6082]

I remember this when it was a Top 10 hit. I dismissed them as not cool back then. Now I’m blown away by their vocals and musicianship. Very impressive. Color me a major fan 50 years late to the party!

[@PaulaG43]

Thank you for this!

[@ianharris8706]

How great is this!!!

[@Philip-ll3ds]

Amazingly good live... very talented

[@juliantoon8732]

great song and band

[@rodgre]

Damn. John is such a killer drummer. Was then. Is now.

[@DannyHoneycutt-o7o]

This is a great group I love the cowsills

[@DannyHoneycutt-o7o]

Hello cowsills this is Danny honeycutt you all a great group I Ben listening to yous scenes 1960s I love yous in all in Jesus christ Jesus loves every bady

[@EvilCensor]

This is actually great to see 0 and obviously hear. Thanks for sharing!