January 2nd 2025.
Sad news has struck the music world as beloved singer, guitarist, and founding member of The Osmonds, Wayne Osmond, has passed away at the age of 73. The Osmonds, a family band, were a sensation in the 1970s with hits like “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” and “Down By the Lazy River” topping the charts and winning the hearts of fans worldwide.
News of Wayne's passing was shared by his brother, Merrill Osmond, on his Facebook page. He revealed that Wayne had suffered a "massive stroke" and passed away at a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. In his tribute, Merrill spoke highly of his brother's character, describing him as a man of great humility, with no ulterior motives and an endless capacity for forgiveness and love.
Born and raised in a Mormon household in Ogden, Utah, Wayne was the fourth oldest of nine children and the second oldest among the musical siblings. The Osmond's musical journey began in the 1950s when Wayne, along with his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay, sang as a barbershop quartet. With the support of singer Andy Williams, their popularity grew in the 1960s and reached its peak in the early 1970s, with younger brother Donny Osmond becoming the breakout star.
Their hits, including "One Bad Apple," were often compared to the music of their contemporaries, the Jackson 5, with Donny being hailed as the white counterpart to Michael Jackson, the lead singer of the Jackson 5. However, despite their success, The Osmonds' popularity began to decline in the mid-1970s. Donny and his sister Marie Osmond went on to enjoy solo careers, while Wayne and his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay formed a country act in the 1980s, producing hits like "I Think About Your Lovin.'"
Tragedy struck in the mid-1990s when Wayne was diagnosed with a brain tumor, resulting in the loss of most of his hearing after undergoing surgery and treatment. In 2012, he suffered a stroke that left him unable to play the guitar. In an interview with the Deseret News in 2018, Wayne reflected on his life and shared that he found joy in taking care of his yard, even with his hearing loss. He even joked that being able to turn off his hearing aids and tune everything out was a blessing in disguise.
Wayne's legacy lives on through his family, including his marriage to Kathlyn White in 1974. The couple had five children together, and Wayne's love and devotion to his family were evident in his life and career. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and countless fans around the world. Rest in peace, Wayne Osmond.
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