Subsequent to his dismissal from The Cowsills, Billy Cowsill was briefly considered as a replacement for Brian Wilson in The Beach Boys' live performances. Cowsill was dissuaded by Wilson, who reportedly cautioned Cowsill that "They'll drive you crazy." He was also in demand for his production talents, developed during his time as a producer of recordings by The Cowsills. In 1971, having relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma Cowsill released a solo album, "Nervous Breakthrough", on MGM Records. The album, on which Cowsill had also acted as producer, failed to chart. The album had been recorded with the encouragement of MGM producer Mike Curb. As his own recording contract was ending, Cowsill recommended that Curb record The Osmonds, whom Cowsill had encountered at Disneyland, singing barbershop music, while wanting to commence a career in pop music. Curb acted on Cowsill's recommendation.