August 26: Bob Cowsill of The Cowsills is 61 today.

The Cowsills, from Newport, Rhode Island, specialized in harmonies and the ability to sing and play music at an early age. After their initial success, the brothers were later joined by their siblings Susan and Paul and their mother Barbara. Bob's twin brother Richard was the road manager. They were the inspiration for the television Partridge Family.

Their first big hit, "The Rain, The Park and Other Things" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. In 1968, the band scored another million-selling hit with the song "Indian Lake" which reached #10 on the charts and in 1969, the band had another number two hit and another million seller with their version of the title song from the musical Hair.

From 1968 through 1972, the band played an average of 200 performance dates per year, and were among the most popular acts on the American concert circuit. They were particularly noted for their ability to achieve 4- and 5-part harmonies with remarkable accuracy and relative pitch; a phenomenon common among sibling singing groups.

Mother Barbara, and brothers Bill and Barry have passed away. Barry drowned in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina.

Press links below to view You Tube videos:

-- "The Rain, The Park, & Other Things"

-- "Hair"

-- "Silver Threads And Golden Needles"