
Wayne Osmond, a celebrated singer, guitarist, and founding member of the iconic family band The Osmonds, has passed away at the age of 73. Known for hits like “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” and “Down By the Lazy River,” Wayne was a key figure in the group’s rise to fame during the 1970s.
A Family’s Tribute
Wayne’s brother, Merrill Osmond, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, revealing that Wayne died at a hospital in Salt Lake City after suffering a massive stroke. Merrill described his late brother as a man of great humility and unconditional love.
“I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolutely no guile,” wrote Merrill. “An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.”
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Wayne was the fourth eldest of nine children in the Osmond family, raised in a devout Mormon household in Ogden, Utah. The Osmond siblings began their musical journey in the 1950s as a barbershop quartet, comprising Wayne, Alan, Merrill, and Jay.
Rise to Stardom
The Osmonds’ popularity skyrocketed in the 1960s, largely due to the support of singer Andy Williams. The group’s peak came in the early 1970s, when younger brother Donny Osmond emerged as a breakout star. Hits like “One Bad Apple” drew comparisons to The Jackson 5, with Donny often likened to Michael Jackson.
Despite their initial success, The Osmonds’ fame began to wane by the mid-1970s. However, Donny and Marie Osmond found individual and joint success as solo performers and as a sibling duo.
A Second Act in Country Music
In the 1980s, Wayne regrouped with his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay to form a country music act. They enjoyed modest success with songs like “I Think About Your Lovin’.”
Health Challenges
Wayne faced significant health challenges later in life. In the mid-1990s, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery, which led to partial hearing loss. Despite these difficulties, Wayne maintained a positive outlook. Reflecting on his experiences, he told the Deseret News in 2018:
“I’ve had a wonderful life. And you know, being able to hear is not all that it’s cracked up to be. My favourite 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.”
In 2012, a stroke left Wayne unable to play the guitar, marking another chapter in his resilient journey.
Personal Life
Wayne married Kathlyn White in 1974, and together they had five children. Despite his health struggles, Wayne’s love for his family and his enduring spirit remained constants in his life.
Legacy
Wayne Osmond leaves behind a rich legacy as a musician and a cherished member of The Osmonds. His contributions to the music world and his unwavering positivity in the face of adversity will continue to inspire fans and loved ones alike.
References
Associated Press, Wayne Osmond’s Death Report
Merrill Osmond’s Facebook Tribute
Deseret News, Interview with Wayne Osmond (2018)