Wayne Osmond, who was born in August 1951 in Ogden, Utah, was the fourth oldest of the nine Osmond siblings. He was a gifted singer, guitarist, and a talented songwriter, contributing significantly to The Osmonds' successful catalog with hits like "Crazy Horses," "Goin' Home," and "Let Me In." His brother Donny expressed profound sorrow, stating that Wayne brought "light, laughter, and love" to everyone around him, while Merrill Osmond referred to Wayne as a “genius” for his unique ability to write music that touched countless lives.
Growing up in a devout Mormon family, Wayne's musical journey began in childhood with performances in a barbershop quartet with his brothers. By 1961, The Osmonds were thrilling audiences at Disneyland and earned their first television exposure on The Andy Williams Show. This exposure cemented their reputation as the "one-take Osmonds," known for flawless performances.
The band's big break came with "One Bad Apple (Don't Spoil the Whole Bunch)," which topped charts for five weeks, launching a series of popular hits throughout the 1970s. At the height of their fame, their fanfare rivaled that of The Beatles, with thousands of devoted followers eager to catch a glimpse of the band.
Although the group's popularity waned by the late 1970s, the Osmonds remained beloved figures in pop culture, with Donny and Marie hosting a successful variety show that further showcased their talents. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a childhood brain tumor and subsequent surgeries that impacted his hearing and mobility, Wayne remained active in the music scene and cherished his time with family.
Wayne's final performance with his brothers was in 2019 on the TV show, The Talk, where they honored their impact on fans with a poignant farewell song titled "The Last Chapter." Fond memories of shared laughter, family ties, and artistic contributions are how Wayne will be remembered, leaving a legacy not just of music, but of love and connection.
He is survived by his wife, Kathlyn, and their five children, along with his eight siblings who cherished their bond and the joy they brought to audiences around the world.
Growing up in a devout Mormon family, Wayne's musical journey began in childhood with performances in a barbershop quartet with his brothers. By 1961, The Osmonds were thrilling audiences at Disneyland and earned their first television exposure on The Andy Williams Show. This exposure cemented their reputation as the "one-take Osmonds," known for flawless performances.
The band's big break came with "One Bad Apple (Don't Spoil the Whole Bunch)," which topped charts for five weeks, launching a series of popular hits throughout the 1970s. At the height of their fame, their fanfare rivaled that of The Beatles, with thousands of devoted followers eager to catch a glimpse of the band.
Although the group's popularity waned by the late 1970s, the Osmonds remained beloved figures in pop culture, with Donny and Marie hosting a successful variety show that further showcased their talents. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a childhood brain tumor and subsequent surgeries that impacted his hearing and mobility, Wayne remained active in the music scene and cherished his time with family.
Wayne's final performance with his brothers was in 2019 on the TV show, The Talk, where they honored their impact on fans with a poignant farewell song titled "The Last Chapter." Fond memories of shared laughter, family ties, and artistic contributions are how Wayne will be remembered, leaving a legacy not just of music, but of love and connection.
He is survived by his wife, Kathlyn, and their five children, along with his eight siblings who cherished their bond and the joy they brought to audiences around the world.
