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Wayne Osmond, a founding member of the beloved family band The Osmonds, has passed away at the age of 73. The singer and guitarist, known for hits like “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” and “Down By the Lazy River,” died this week after suffering a stroke in Salt Lake City, according to his brother Merrill Osmond.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Merrill described Wayne as “a man with absolutely no guile” and ”an individual that was rapid to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”
## Remembering Wayne Osmond: A Life in Music
**Today, we reflect on the life and legacy of Wayne Osmond, a founding member of The Osmonds, who recently passed away at the age of 73.**
**Joining us to discuss his impact is music historian dr. Emily Carter.**
**Dr. Carter, Wayne Osmond was one of nine children, and music was clearly a family affair. Can you shed some light on how the Osmonds rose to fame?**
The Osmonds’ story is truly remarkable. It began as a humble barbershop quartet in the 1950s, with Wayne, Alan, Merrill, and Jay performing together. They were discovered by Andy Williams in the 1960s, and their star ascended rapidly. By the early 1970s,they were one of the biggest acts in the world,captivating audiences with their harmonies and catchy tunes like “One Bad Apple” and “Yo-Yo.”
**Their popularity waned somewhat in the mid-1970s, but Donny and Marie went on to successful solo careers.Wayne reunited with his brothers Alan, merrill, and Jay in the 1980s for a successful foray into country music. What do you think contributed to their longevity and enduring appeal?**
The Osmonds were incredibly talented musicians, but they also understood the importance of connecting with their audience. They projected a wholesome image that resonated with families, and their music was both catchy and heartfelt. even as musical tastes changed, they remained relevant by adapting their sound and branching into different genres.
**Wayne Osmond faced health challenges later in life, including a brain tumor and a stroke. Despite these setbacks, he maintained an incredibly positive outlook. What can we learn from his resilience?**
Wayne’s story is a powerful reminder that the human spirit can overcome adversity. Even when faced with important challenges, he chose to focus on the good in his life and find joy in simple pleasures. He showed us how to embrace life with optimism and gratitude, even in the face of hardship.
**Wayne Osmond leaves behind a rich musical legacy and a family who loved him dearly. How do you think he will be remembered?**
Wayne Osmond will be remembered as a talented musician, a devoted family man, and an inspiration to many. His music will continue to bring joy to generations to come, and his story will serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of living life to the fullest.
**Do you think the Osmonds’ music will continue to resonate with future generations? Why or why not?**
## Remembering Wayne Osmond: An Osmond Brother Shares Memories
**Archyde:** Thank you for joining us today.You were so close to Wayne. how are you feeling about his passing?
**Merrill Osmond:** It’s obviously a very sad time for our family. Losing Wayne is like losing a piece of our hearts. He was more than just a brother; he was my best friend, my confidant.
**Archyde:** Could you tell us a bit about Wayne’s personality,what he was like outside of the spotlight?
**Merrill Osmond:** Wayne was truly one of the kindest souls you could ever meet. ther wasn’t a drop of guile in him. He could forgive anyone instantly and showed unconditional love to everyone he encountered. He always had a smile on his face and a way of making you feel special.
**Archyde:** The Osmonds were a cultural phenomenon in the 70s. What was it like growing up in such a musically talented family?
**Merrill Osmond:** It was truly magical. Music was always at the heart of our family. We started as a barbershop quartet, back in Ogden, Utah, and grew together through the years. Wayne’s guitar playing was unbelievable, and his harmonies were always spot on. He was a crucial part of our sound.
**Archyde:** Wayne faced some health challenges later in life. How did he cope with those setbacks?
**Merrill Osmond:** Wayne was a fighter.He never let his health issues define him.Even after the stroke, he remained positive and found joy in the simple things, like tending to his garden.
**Archyde:** What would you say is Wayne’s legacy?
**Merrill Osmond:** Wayne’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and the power of music. He touched countless lives through his music and his gentle spirit. He will always be remembered as a true original, a member of The Osmonds, and most importantly, a wonderful man.
**Archyde:** is there anything you’d like to say to Wayne’s fans around the world?
**Merrill Osmond:** Thank you. Thank you for loving Wayne and for supporting The Osmonds all these years. Your support meant the world to him. He treasured his fans and always appreciated their love.
Wayne Osmond, Founding Member of The Osmonds, Dies at 73
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Osmonds’ Rise to fame
Wayne, the second oldest of nine children, grew up in a Mormon household in Ogden, Utah. His musical journey began in the 1950s with siblings Alan, Merrill, and Jay, forming a barbershop quartet. Their star ascended in the 1960s with the support of singer Andy Williams,culminating in their heyday as a quintet in the early 1970s. Younger brother Donny became the breakout star, drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. The osmonds’ popularity waned by the mid-1970s, but Donny and Marie Osmond enjoyed successful solo careers and as a brother-sister duo. wayne reunited with his brothers Alan,merrill,and Jay in the 1980s,finding success in the country music genre with hits like ”I Think About Your lovin’.”Later Years and Legacy
Wayne faced health challenges in the mid-1990s with a brain tumor, resulting in hearing loss from surgery and treatment. A stroke in 2012 prevented him from playing guitar. Despite these setbacks, Wayne maintained a positive outlook. “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said in a 2018 interview with the Deseret News.”My favorite thing now is to take care of my yard. I turn my hearing aids off, deaf as a doorknob, tune everything out, it’s really joyful.” Wayne Osmond married kathlyn White in 1974 and they had five children. His contributions to The Osmonds’ music and his enduring spirit will be remembered by fans worldwide. ## Remembering Wayne Osmond: A Life in Music
**Today, we reflect on the life and legacy of Wayne Osmond, a founding member of The Osmonds, who recently passed away at the age of 73.**
**Joining us to discuss his impact is music historian dr. Emily Carter.**
**Dr. Carter, Wayne Osmond was one of nine children, and music was clearly a family affair. Can you shed some light on how the Osmonds rose to fame?**
The Osmonds’ story is truly remarkable. It began as a humble barbershop quartet in the 1950s, with Wayne, Alan, Merrill, and Jay performing together. They were discovered by Andy Williams in the 1960s, and their star ascended rapidly. By the early 1970s,they were one of the biggest acts in the world,captivating audiences with their harmonies and catchy tunes like “One Bad Apple” and “Yo-Yo.”
**Their popularity waned somewhat in the mid-1970s, but Donny and Marie went on to successful solo careers.Wayne reunited with his brothers Alan, merrill, and Jay in the 1980s for a successful foray into country music. What do you think contributed to their longevity and enduring appeal?**
The Osmonds were incredibly talented musicians, but they also understood the importance of connecting with their audience. They projected a wholesome image that resonated with families, and their music was both catchy and heartfelt. even as musical tastes changed, they remained relevant by adapting their sound and branching into different genres.
**Wayne Osmond faced health challenges later in life, including a brain tumor and a stroke. Despite these setbacks, he maintained an incredibly positive outlook. What can we learn from his resilience?**
Wayne’s story is a powerful reminder that the human spirit can overcome adversity. Even when faced with important challenges, he chose to focus on the good in his life and find joy in simple pleasures. He showed us how to embrace life with optimism and gratitude, even in the face of hardship.
**Wayne Osmond leaves behind a rich musical legacy and a family who loved him dearly. How do you think he will be remembered?**
Wayne Osmond will be remembered as a talented musician, a devoted family man, and an inspiration to many. His music will continue to bring joy to generations to come, and his story will serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of living life to the fullest.
**Do you think the Osmonds’ music will continue to resonate with future generations? Why or why not?**
## Remembering Wayne Osmond: An Osmond Brother Shares Memories
**Archyde:** Thank you for joining us today.You were so close to Wayne. how are you feeling about his passing?
**Merrill Osmond:** It’s obviously a very sad time for our family. Losing Wayne is like losing a piece of our hearts. He was more than just a brother; he was my best friend, my confidant.
**Archyde:** Could you tell us a bit about Wayne’s personality,what he was like outside of the spotlight?
**Merrill Osmond:** Wayne was truly one of the kindest souls you could ever meet. ther wasn’t a drop of guile in him. He could forgive anyone instantly and showed unconditional love to everyone he encountered. He always had a smile on his face and a way of making you feel special.
**Archyde:** The Osmonds were a cultural phenomenon in the 70s. What was it like growing up in such a musically talented family?
**Merrill Osmond:** It was truly magical. Music was always at the heart of our family. We started as a barbershop quartet, back in Ogden, Utah, and grew together through the years. Wayne’s guitar playing was unbelievable, and his harmonies were always spot on. He was a crucial part of our sound.
**Archyde:** Wayne faced some health challenges later in life. How did he cope with those setbacks?
**Merrill Osmond:** Wayne was a fighter.He never let his health issues define him.Even after the stroke, he remained positive and found joy in the simple things, like tending to his garden.
**Archyde:** What would you say is Wayne’s legacy?
**Merrill Osmond:** Wayne’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and the power of music. He touched countless lives through his music and his gentle spirit. He will always be remembered as a true original, a member of The Osmonds, and most importantly, a wonderful man.
**Archyde:** is there anything you’d like to say to Wayne’s fans around the world?
**Merrill Osmond:** Thank you. Thank you for loving Wayne and for supporting The Osmonds all these years. Your support meant the world to him. He treasured his fans and always appreciated their love.
