Introduction:
Wayne Osmond, a founding member of the beloved family band The Osmonds—who rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of pop hits—has passed away at the age of 73.
A singer, guitarist, and gifted songwriter, Wayne co-wrote many of the group’s most memorable tracks, including Crazy Horses, Goin’ Home, and Let Me In.
“Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone he knew—especially me,” his brother Donny wrote in tribute. “He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by all.”
Brother Merrill Osmond remembered him as “a genius in his ability to write music,” praising Wayne’s rare gift to touch millions of hearts and bring them closer to God. “I’ve never known a man with more humility,” he added. “A man without guile, quick to forgive, and able to give unconditional love to everyone he met.”
The cause of death was confirmed as a stroke.
A Life in Music
Born in Ogden, Utah, in August 1951, Wayne was the fourth of nine children raised in a devout Mormon family. He first began performing in a barbershop quartet with brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay.
By 1961, the siblings were regular entertainers at Disneyland. Just a year later, they made their television debut on The Andy Williams Show, quickly earning the nickname “the one-take Osmonds” for their flawless, meticulously rehearsed performances.
When younger brother Donny joined in 1963, the group shifted toward clean-cut pop. Their early singles faltered, but success arrived in 1971 with One Bad Apple (Don’t Spoil the Whole Bunch)—a song originally intended for The Jackson 5. The track soared to No. 1 on the U.S. charts for five weeks, propelling The Osmonds into Beatlemania-like stardom.
At the height of their fame in 1973, chaos broke out at Heathrow Airport as 10,000 fans gathered to welcome them, causing part of a building structure to collapse and injuring several people. The hysteria was so intense that British officials nearly banned pop groups from arriving through Heathrow.
Shifting Careers and Later Years
By the mid-1970s, as record sales declined, Donny and Marie launched their own hit variety show, while the band gradually stepped away from the spotlight. Although The Osmonds officially disbanded in 1980, they reunited often for concerts, county fairs, and nostalgic tours.
Wayne endured significant health challenges. A childhood brain tumor caused lasting complications, and in 1994 his condition worsened, leading to surgery and cancer treatments that left him with permanent hearing loss. He also suffered a stroke in 2012.
In 2019, Wayne joined Alan, Merrill, and Jay for their final television performance on The Talk, singing The Last Chapter as a farewell to their fans. Their sister Marie, hosting the show, tearfully honored them: “I am so proud to be your sister. You’ve worked so hard. Enjoy your retirement.”
A Joyful Spirit
Despite his health struggles, Wayne embraced retirement with optimism, devoting himself to fly fishing, gardening, and family life. Speaking to Deseret News, he reflected with characteristic humor and grace:
“My favorite thing now is taking care of my yard. I turn off my hearing aids, deaf as a doorknob, and just tune everything out—it’s really joyful.”
Wayne is survived by his wife Kathlyn, their five children—Amy, Steven, Gregory, Sarah, and Michelle—and his eight siblings: Virl, Tom, Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy.