MEMORIES:

PHOTOS:

Release History:

Members:

They started performing together in 1959, singing as a barbershop quartet in their home state of Utah, But The Osmonds would grow to be the most popular sibling musical group since the Jackson 5. It took ten years of working together before they landed their first record deal.

 

The group auditioned for Lawrence Welk in California in 1962, and didn’t make the cut. In an attempt to cheer them up, their dad took them to Disneyland, where the kids performed an improvised concert with the park’s barbershop quartet. They were noticed by a Disney talent scout, who hired the boys to perform regularly at the park. Andy Williams’ father saw their performance on the TV show Disneyland After Dark, and suggested that Andy feature them on his show. They were a big hit on The Andy Williams Show and appeared regularly from 1962 to 1967.

 

The group signed to MGM Records by label president Mike Curb in 1970. He marketed them as his “answer to the Jackson 5.” Their first single was “One Bad Apple,” a song that the Jackson 5 had actually passed on. The bubblegum soul song featured a strong lead from Merrill, rich harmonies, and vocal exclamations from younger brother Donny, a la Michael Jackson. The song shot to #1, and stayed there an amazing five weeks.

 

The Osmonds songs were able to balance bubblegum pop with soul and doo-wop styles, appealing to both kids and more sophisticated adults. Through 1972 they released the hits "Double Lovin'," "Yo-Yo" and "Down By The Lazy River," as well as harder singles such as "Hold Her Tight" and "Crazy Horses." These last two featured chunky guitars and gritty vocals combined with an r&b style horn section, and both went as high as #14 on the charts.

 

The group released a concept album called The Plan in 1973. The record addressed their beliefs as Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and the band wrote all the songs and performed most of the instruments. The album included the top 40 ballad, "Let Me In." They continued their string of top 10 hits after that with another ballad, "Love Me For A Reason," the lush cover of the Frankie Valli song, "The Proud One,” and the disco style cut, "I Can't Live A Dream," taking them through 1976.

 

When The Donny and Marie Show aired in the late 70s, the Osmonds made regular appearances. The band broke up in 1980, but got back together in 1982, this time without Donny. They renamed themselves the Osmond Brothers, and concentrated their new sound in country music for adult listeners. The new direction proved fruitful, and the band released several records and embarked on a world tour, appearing at Wembley’s Country Music Festival in England two years in a row. 

 

In 1992, the group opened the Osmond Family Theater in Branson, Missouri, with their younger brother Jimmy and the band performs there regularly. Alan Osmond’s eight sons formed the band Osmonds Second Generation in the 90s as well. They also record and perform, proving that talent does run in families and that this family talent will be around a long time.