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

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[@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!

[@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.

[@frankcourtright6846]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheRoyalBavarian]

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

[@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!

[@user-nk5yo1vr9x]

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.

[@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.

[@MichaelNatale-q1d]

I was a Gi in this audience

[@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?

[@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

[@TWTexasA1]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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. 🥰👍🏼😎🇦🇺

[@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!

[@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!

[@cpj0303]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@Michael-nf1ej]

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

[@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!

[@davidboyce8683]

This is real Americana right here .

[@edwardanthony7283]

3 still perform as of 2024 & great at that!

[@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.

[@dewaynejimison3858]

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

[@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.

[@cowsills.enthusiast]

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

[@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.

[@Oldiesmann]

Interesting that they filmed the band performing for the troops and amazing that the footage has survived so well for 50+ years.

[@garyrasberryjr.552]

The show was "Operation: Entertainment" - It was on ABC for 31 episodes from 1968 to 1969. Chuck Barris (who had two big hits on ABC with the Dating Game and Newlywed Game) produced the show. They went to different military bases each week.

[@jmikeperkins]

This is a wonderful clip! A real find.

[@mrstacyj9496]

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

[@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."

[@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.

[@stanleyjohnson2291]

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

[@mjames4709]

Brilliant!

[@Wolfie66]

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

[@pameladircks-meacham5181]

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

[@bobgordon236]

Did he drown ? Homeless guy I read.

[@MrFantasia40]

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

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

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

[@martinwhite6891]

Great performance! I still love this song.

[@user-ei1mu6dr4r]

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.

[@garyzink1927]

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

[@kevintownsend7469]

They were and still are, the real deal.

[@jillharling]

I watched a documentary about them, it was absolutely shocking. This poor kids and the mom having to deal with that father was disgusting. Poor Susan.

[@gli7utubeo]

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

[@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

[@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 . . .”

[@LM-jj5lt]

Great video, thanks for posting. I always liked the mom, can’t believe she produced all those kids and still looked hot.

[@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!

[@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.

[@donniemoyer9261]

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

[@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.

[@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 ❤️

[@calhounhills860]

Saw them live at Illinois State Fair in 1970, along with Oliver. At least I think I did - those years are getting a little fuzzy!

[@thewkovacs316]

joe jackson murray wilson bud cowsill all share a special place in hades

[@adamcarrey9115]

They got the job done.

[@Brad68303]

absolutely!!!! 100%

[@frankwalton7323]

Don't forget Phil Spector

[@wayne_twentyfive]

Why Joe Jackson ? ..His first 2 albums were new wave classics ! 😉😅

[@davidirwin1549]

In March 1969 (when I was 8 years old) we drove down to Florida for Spring Break and I remember this song was getting a lot of airplay all the way down.

[@fairweatherrider1]

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

[@GearJamminSalmon]

Any one Cowsill had more talent in their pinky-finger nail than all of the acts in the last 35 years put together. Back then, it was natural talent, further honed...now it's Auto-Tune, ghetto attitude, guns and "fake it 'til ya make it". The good stuff was fun while it lasted.

[@TheGeosto]

Your comment is somewhat laughable.

[@russellcampbell9198]

Excellent. Thanks for the post.

[@JoeTillGuitars]

I had one Craigslist interaction (or was it the Recycler?) with one of the brothers down in Encino back in the 80s. I think it was Bob and he was selling this little Kustom mono mixer for $75. He met me at the door, invited me in, walked me through the house and into this incredible studio. It was so quiet you could hear the blood rushing through your ears. Completely blacked out room with one little light bulb in the middle. I didn't know who he was until I saw pictures and albums on the walls. Very humble guy, super nice. If any of you Cowsills read this, and you want that mixer back for old time sake, it's yours. It served me well for many years.

[@SputnickSpooner-jg5gi]

​@AlfredZorgonautHe said Recycler. That was the go to paper in So Cal then.

[@rbdemp]

100% live no tricks, no autotune. Their is a reason these folks had hits, they were really good. Check out Barry's later band, The Blue Shadows.

[@TerryTutor-cv3hh]

I was a close friend so let me say it was Billy with The Blue Shadows...And they were phenomenal...

[@favoritesyoutube5476]

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

[@Bamainjc]

What a concept, singing and playing live !

[@debrajcw6028]

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

[@PaulaG43]

Thank you for this!

[@CheerfulCrayons-ld3ui]

Great harmony vocals!

[@aschule5684]

Seeing the date of the video and then seeing all the young soldiers I couldn't help but wonder how many of them made it home from that awful war 😢

[@user-sg4kk2xf8b]

This is a great group I love the cowsills

[@JeffDean-sk7hk]

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

[@allancarel8511]

Reminds me of summer.

[@speedracer2336]

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

[@user-rq1dm3ny3s]

Actually this is a pretty cool song. Catchy as can be.

[@calderqueen7987]

Wow I am so impressed with this performance. Way better sounding than on my (admittedly very scratched) LP.

[@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!

[@Tatortot318]

For being live, they sound excellent, great harmony...The Mom was truly scared...lol RIP

[@c.robespierre8479]

Wow this is an amazing find….. sometimes I can’t believe what people post on KZbin!

[@grouchosays]

Ft Gordon, GA. Lot of those guys died in Vietnam. Sad.

[@TheLittleOsmondsFan13]

WOOOOW, I loved it, thank you

[@paulrumney2983]

Great thankyou for the post

[@stevelabranche6119]

Wow, Cowsills!! I was around 12, 1970 Saw them at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. I remembered their featured song was Rolling Stones, Honky Tonk Woman. The embarrassing part was my Mom took me...lol

[@paulhowes5094]

wow I got hit by a feeling I haven't felt since maybe the 70s We had a good time

[@EvilCensor]

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

[@user-cp3vo9rg2p]

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

[@ianharris8706]

How great is this!!!

[@Hortondlfn1]

This was one of my absolute favorites when I was still in my single digits.

[@williamratcliffe7794]

That is awesome and thank you! Haven't heard Barbara speak since I first saw them at Steel Pier In Atlantic City back in 1969. She was ill in 1970 when the group was back there again so it was just the siblings, but still put on a great show, as always

[@ffjsb]

I got to see The Guess Who at Fort Cambell in the 80's. Every once in a while the military would do something nice for you...

[@vanlifeonthego6684]

Love the Guess Who. Must have been a great show, 80s they'd be in their prime

[@ricj7517]

The original Partridge Family

[@markoliver630]

The Partridge Family were FAKE Cowsills ! They were totally ripped off !

[@deanallen927]

Wow, they could actually play, even back then.

[@susanstancliff2937]

Love this!

[@josephforest7605]

WOW! I have not watched this in years ,I saw this when it first aired .