Merrill Osmond
Gig Seeker Pro

Merrill Osmond

| SELF

| SELF
Band Rock Singer/Songwriter

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"The Osmonds bring back memories"

Before the Jackson Five, The Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, and the Jonas Brothers, there were the Osmond Brothers. I was delighted when the Zanesville Concert Association announced that the opening act will be one of my favorites while I was growing up.

And even though the Osmonds have been entertaining for 50 years, I first heard them in 1962 on the Andy Williams Show. That was the only show that my grandmother and I could enjoy together when she baby-sat with me.
I hated the Lawrence Welk Show that was a staple on my grandma's TV. The music invariably put me to sleep. But maybe that was the idea.
However I loved the Andy Williams Show. It offered comedy skits, jugglers and comedians such as Jonathan Winters, who always made me giggle. And I wonder if anyone remembers the Cookie Bear as well as I do?

I fell in love with the Osmond Brothers about the same time I discovered a guy named Ray Stevens singing songs that were funny and clever. And maybe I am just being nostalgic, but entertainment doesn't seem to be as delightful as it was back then.

The Osmonds originally consisted of brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay. They were later joined by younger siblings Donny, Marie and Jimmy. And I wanted nothing more than to see them in person. But, I never had the opportunity.
This year Donny will be "Dancing with the Stars," so he won't be in Zanesville. But Wayne who is now 58 will be here. Jay, 54, Jimmy, 46, and Merrill, 56, will join him. Hard to believe those young men have grown up. Aren't they supposed to freeze in time?
It seems like only yesterday that those beautiful young voices melted into four-part harmony every bit as good as inveterate barbershop quartets. In many of their numbers Merrill sang the lead. The strange thing is that, with all the specials on television, the only single that hit number one on the music charts was "One Bad Apple," in 1971. Of course, if you remember the '70s, great voices were
not a prerequisite for a hit.

And it can't be denied that the Osmonds have great voices. They could take a run of the mill song and blend their voices to make it memorable. The old "Anytime," published in 1921, was a perfect example.

In 1985, when they recorded it, my husband and I played it over and over. And, I admit, we danced around the kitchen to that tune several times, much to our dogs' dismay. Perhaps that is another reason I am looking forward to the Osmond Brothers coming to Secrest. They say that all good things come to those who wait. Well, I will finally get my wish after nearly 50 years. I doubt that the Osmonds will resemble the cute boys I fell in love with nearly 50 years ago. But, then again, I have aged slightly myself. - Zaneville Times Recorder


"Osmonds celebrate Christmas at Rialto"

December 4, 2009
By RANDALL G. MIELKE For Sun-Times Media
"One thing we like to do at our shows is make people feel like they are a part of our family," said Jay
Osmond, who will appear with his brothers Merrill, Wayne and Jimmy in the Christmas show. "If people
want to have a fun, family Christmas experience, and celebrate over 50 years of entertainment with us,
they should come to our show at the Rialto."
The original four Osmond brothers, which consisted of Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay, began singing
together in 1959, honing their skills at county fairs and amusement parks. The brothers sang mostly
barbershop harmony, sometimes mixing in some gospel tunes. In 1962, the Osmonds made their
national television debut on The Andy Williams Show, on which they would continue to appear regularly
until the show's cancellation in 1967.
The Osmonds' career has taken them from singing barbershop music as children, to achieving success
as teen music idols and to continued success as solo and group performers. The original four brothers
were later joined, at various times, by younger siblings Donny, Marie and Jimmy. Older brothers George
and Thomas were born deaf and initially did not perform, but appeared on a "Donny & Marie Christmas
Special" and have made occasional appearances with the family members since then. Alan retired from
performing in 1996, and youngest brother Jimmy took his place with his elder three brothers.
Jay Osmond believes part of the group's appeal is its longevity.
"We've always kept reinventing ourselves," Osmond said, "and we listen to what our fans have to say.
"Many of our fans have been with us since they were teenagers," he continued, "and some even
remember us from The Andy Williams Show. It is fun to see them now bringing their own children -- and
even grandchildren -- to our shows. We feel like our fans are members of our extended family, and we
love for them to leave our shows feeling that way too."
Jay Osmond finds satisfaction in giving audience members a break from the stress of everyday life.
"I think people come to a show to forget about life's challenges for a little bit," he said. "We hope our
audiences not only feel entertained, but recharged and have a brighter view when they leave. I believe
music does that for people, and that an entertainer's performance should make that happen."
And it may be that the music keeps the Osmonds going also. Jay does not believe retirement is
something the brothers will consider in the near future.
"I think we'll continue performing for as long as we can," he said. "We've been performing for more than
50 years. We've gone this far, we might as well go until we drop." - Sun-Times Media


"Merill Osmond at The Comedy Quarter"

Merill Osmond plays The Comedy Quarter July 22-25.
By Mark Ignatowski

Two-time Grammy Award nominee Merrill Osmond will be making a stop in the Fox Cities this month as part of his 2009 tour.

Merrill Osmond, the middle brother and unique lead voice of the famous Osmond family, will have five shows July 22-25 at The Comedy Quarter in the Town of Menasha.
Merrill has already spent more than 50 years in show business, beginning in 1958 with his brothers Alan, Wayne and Jay singing barbershop music in their hometown of Ogden, Utah. The brothers, and later their younger siblings Donny, Marie and Jimmy, enjoyed success as an entertainment group on The Andy Williams Show during the 1960s.

In the early 1970s, the Osmonds shifted their musical styles toward pop music and rock and roll. In 1971, the siblings topped the Billboard pop chart with their hit “One Bad Apple.” The family, with Merrill playing bass guitar and singing lead vocals, enjoyed a great deal of success throughout the 1970s.

In total, Merrill and his brothers wrote music and lyrics for five number one hit records. Merrill also shares production credit for many of the Osmond’s 27 gold records. The group produced 47 gold and platinum records, and holds the record for earning 11 gold and platinum albums in one year. All told, the group sold more than 100 million copies of their albums worldwide.

In 1975, The Osmond Brothers won the “People’s Choice Award” as America’s favorite musical group. In 2003 the Osmond Family was honored for its achievements with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Many of the Osmond siblings enjoyed successful solo careers, most notably were Donny and Marie, whose show was produced by Merrill from 1976 to 1979.

In 1982 the United States Jaycees named Merrill one of the 10 most outstanding men of America. The Osmonds are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and have long been active in promoting their church’s mission through their music and philanthropy.

Merrill and his wife Mary have a deaf son, Justin who grew up without being able to hear his father’s music. Along with help from his family, Merrill’s son started the Osmond Hearing Centers to help people with hearing disabilities.

Merrill also played a role in two presidential inaugurations. He produced “The Making of an Inauguration” for President Ronald Reagan and “The Quincentennial Inaugural Ball” for President George Bush’s Inauguration in 1989.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Merrill joined the Quick Response Relief Team of the Morrell Foundation in the affected areas of the southern United States to provide emergency relief, shelter and support.

His latest venture – The Shiloh Experience: A journey for a peaceful heart – is an opportunity to refresh, renew and restore body mind and spirit, Merrill’s website reads. The program works by “offering time to relax, refocus and rebalance through the unique combination of music art and wellbeing.” The Shiloh Experience is set to begin in late 2009.

In 2007, Merrill, along with more than 100 of his relatives, appeared on Oprah to celebrate their father, who had recently passed away. In 2008, the Osmond siblings celebrated their 50th year of show business by completing a world tour.

- SCENE


"Another stage — Merrill Osmond tackles dramatic role in Hale's 'Civil War'"

It's a Monday night. Merrill Osmond has rehearsed for less than a week with the rest of the cast of "The Civil War." But he's doing all right, this veteran performer.

His gravelly voice blends nicely with the other actors' silky tenors. When it comes to negotiating the stage, he's not making many more mistakes than those who have been practicing together for more than a month.

Osmond's sword does clunk on the floor when he sits on his camp stool. But that's understandable. The swords are authentic replicas of those carried in the Civil War, and they are huge. Some of the other actors are also still struggling to get their weapons under control.

See all 3 photos | Click to enlarge
Tom Smart, Deseret News
Merrill Osmond and others rehearse for "The Civil War." "I've always wanted to do this play," he says.
From the archive
Osmond pushing affordable family concerts – May 14, 2008
Stage review: Cast, staging elevate 'War' – Feb. 21, 2008
George Osmond, father of music clan, dies at 90 – Nov. 7, 2007
George Osmond, patriarch of Osmond family singers dies – Nov. 6, 2007
Donny Osmond still reinventing himself on stage, screen, TV – Aug. 17, 2007
Later in the rehearsal, Osmond is late coming in for his duet with the Southern captain. But then, the Southern captain is late as well.

Director Andrew Barrus corrects Osmond and the other actor in exactly the same matter-of-fact tone. When corrected, Osmond doesn't waste time talking, he just heads back up the stairs and enters again. This time, he's on cue.

Sally Dietlin, executive producer at Hale Centre Theatre, says the other actors have been pleasantly surprised by Osmond, by his humility and by how hard he works. "There's no attitude with him," she says.

As for Osmond, he's impressed with the professionalism he's found at Hale. He mentions the singing, the acting. "And the choreography is the best I've seen."

The stage is in five sections, and it seems at least one section is submerged at any given time. A fall would be disastrous, Osmond realizes.

Still, "I don't think I've ever had more fun," he said. "I've always wanted to do this play."

His famous brother, Donny, became identified with "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," he points out. His famous sister Marie just made her mark on "Dancing With the Stars."

Merrill Osmond admits he would not mind being identified with this musical, "The Civil War." Osmond loves history, and he thinks Frank Wildhorn's script and songs are incredibly important just now, as our nation once again finds itself in a long war. He says he's seen at least one person cry during every rehearsal he's attended.

Osmond sought the role of Capt. Emmett Lochran. He and Dietlin agree that's the way it happened. Osmond talked to his friend Larry Gatlin, of the Gatlin Brothers, who was playing Lochran in a national touring production. Gatlin told him the musical was being performed in Utah later in the year. Osmond asked his agent to call Hale Centre.

Eventually, Dietlin and her husband, Mark, went to Branson, Mo., in time to catch Osmond's last performance there. They liked his voice. "He's solid," she said.

Dietlin says there was a third party involved in the negotiations as well, a mutual friend who offered to donate the amount Osmond would need for a salary. That clinched the deal for Dietlin, who adds that other actors are getting paid between $40 and $70 for each performance, which is more than Hale Centre usually pays.

She thinks the production will sell out. When he was hired by Hale Centre, Osmond had a couple of conflicts, performances he'd already agreed to in Las Vegas and on a cruise ship. Dietlin says the theater will be up-front with customers about which performances will be done by the understudy, David Weeks.

See all 3 photos | Click to enlarge
Tom Smart, Deseret News
Merrill Osmond and others rehearse for "The Civil War." "I've always wanted to do this play," he says.
From the archive
Osmond pushing affordable family concerts – May 14, 2008
Stage review: Cast, staging elevate 'War' – Feb. 21, 2008
George Osmond, father of music clan, dies at 90 – Nov. 7, 2007
George Osmond, patriarch of Osmond family singers dies – Nov. 6, 2007
Donny Osmond still reinventing himself on stage, screen, TV – Aug. 17, 2007
Osmond will be on hand for the majority of the run, she notes. "Including the student matinees. We were amazed."

Dietlin has wanted to do this play for years. She acknowledges that the "The Civil War" met with mixed reviews during its two-month run on Broadway. The script uses the actual words of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, as well as the poetry of Walt Whitman. Still, some critics didn't think there was enough of a story line.

But Dietlin has long pictured "The Civil War" in her center stage theater. Wildhorn's script and songs will succeed because of the intimacy Hale Centre can offer, she believes.

As for Barrus, the director, he is so passionate about the script that he spent last summer visiting Civil War sites and taking photos. He is proud of the authentic costumes and props.

"It is a different style of play for us," Barrus concedes. It was a challenge to choose six or seven characters to highlight, he says. But he felt he had to make some characters stand out, to help the audience forge a relationship with them.

He notes that Wildhorn's other plays didn't last long on Broadway, either. But "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and "Jekyll and Hyde" continue to be performed. As with those two, Wildhorn has continued to refine this play. It features songs that were not part of the original production.

Meanwhile, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Osmond Brothers. Fifty years ago, 4-year-old Merrill Osmond sang with his brothers for the first time in a barbershop quartet in their hometown of Ogden. Later the quartet went to Disneyland and then on to the Andy Williams show. Alan, Wayne, Jay and Merrill will be joined by Donny, Marie and Jimmy on portions of their reunion World Tour.

Osmond sounds bemused by the fact that he and his family are getting more offers than he expected they'd get for this reunion. The Osmonds are very big in the Ukraine, he says. He's turned down opportunities to perform this spring, he says.

He figures he'll eventually get to those other places. He is ready to follow the reunion as long as public interest holds out.

But first this, "The Civil War," at Hale Centre Theatre, in his home state. Osmond said, "I knew I had to make time for this in my life. I knew in my heart this was the right season." - Deseret News


"Merrill Osmond Cover Story"

As a member of the Osmond family, Merrill Osmond has had a very successful career. For 51 of his 55 years he’s been on stage doing what he’s been told and accepting it as a way of life.


“I had to bite the bullet so many times,” says Osmond, who will appear with his brothers at The Orleans Sept. 26-28. “It was always for the overall cause and entire picture. I had to get used to the fact that it would never change.”


But it did and it has.


The frustration that Osmond felt all these years is gone. Two things happened to change it: the passing of his father opened some things up and his brother, Donny, gave him a surprising opportunity on the group’s 50th anniversary tour in Europe.


“Father’s dying changed things,” explains Osmond. “We all loved him dearly, but he was like a drill sergeant all our lives. He was in charge. He told us what to do and we did it.




“The 50th anniversary tour was Jimmy’s idea. There was some animosity about it in the beginning because we were all told what to do, which was the way things usually happened,” continued Osmond. “Then father passed and all of a sudden an almost magical bond came about. For me, it was freedom. Donny took over production of the tour and it was the most therapeutic thing that could have happened for me.”



Outside of the true die hard Osmond fan, most people who think about the Osmond’s music believe that Donny was always the lead singer when, it fact, it was Merrill.


“Donny surprised me. He wanted the music on the tour to be the same as it was on our records, which meant I would be out front singing lead. I was shocked and thrilled,” recalls Osmond. “It took off so much stress. We were all able to who we are. It was what the public perceived of the Osmond family.”


For the tour, the Osmond ripped off their tuxedos and donned jeans. It created an entirely new energy for the group and was a natural healing for them all.


While his siblings, Donny & Marie, are headlining at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, Merrill appears in selected dates with his brothers – Wayne, Jay and Jimmy. He’s also a solo artist and his dream of being in the forefront keeps him going.


“Today, I’m a rock n’ roller,” laughs Osmond, that’s what I want to do and that’s what I’m doing in Europe. It’s a classic rock tour. I’ll be headlining in Wales, Belgium and Ireland with my band playing classic rock and new tunes that I wrote. I feel like a young bird spreading its wings and I couldn’t be happier.


“The family is totally behind me, though now I didn’t have to ask anyone’s permission I discuss things with my wife of 35 years and then I do what is best for me. What a fantastic feeling that is!”


Merrill Osmond as lead singer of the Osmond family has performed in almost every major venue in this country as well as the United Kingdom. He has toured the world and it’s his voice as the lead you hear on hits such as “One Bad Apple,” ”Crazy Horses,” “Yo-Yo,” “Down by the Lazy River,” “Love Me for a Reason” and many other countless hits.


In collaboration with his brothers, Osmond has sang lead to the group’s collective 27 gold records -- many of which he shared the production credits and has written the music and lyrics for five number one hit records. Collectively, the Osmonds have produced 47 platinum and gold records.


In the history of the rock era, no other recording artists have earned as many gold records in one year as the Osmond family. Not even the Beatles surpassed the record of the Osmond’s 11 gold award certificates in one year, a record the Osmonds still hold today.


Merrill has received two People’s Choice Awards, four number #1 Billboard hits, and two Grammy Award nominations. His entertainment career has spanned more than 50 years and his achievements have earned him notable recognition and honorable titles such as one of the “Ten Outstanding Men,” for the States Jaycees.


Merrill Osmond’s powerful influence in the music and entertainment industry leaves a legacy that embraces principles that strengthens families and provides us with a deep love for God and his country.


His talent as a strong leader has moved him into other productions serving as the executive producer of the “Donny and Marie Show,” on ABC-TV from 1976-1979, “The Roy Clark Special,” and “The Osmond Christmas Family Specials.” In addition he has produced more than 90 teleplays and scripts for television.


Merrill’s passion to serve others comes from his devotion to God and his fellow man. His love for the lives he touches shows up in his philanthropic work as the co-founder of the Osmond Foundation, which produces the “The Children’s Miracle Network Telethon.” He has also been awarded “Honorary Chairman,” and “Medalist,” in his work for the Utah Special Olympics.

- Vegas Inside Tips


"The architect behind one of the best metal anthems ever: Crazy Horses"

It was the influences of Paul McCartney and the Beatles that caused us to write the kind of music that we did. The only other band that had that much effect on us was Led Zeppelin.” ~ Merrill Osmond

They call him “the bear” for a number of reasons. On records his voice is melodic, husky and strong, a combination of his influences that include Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond. He’s the middle child; five out of nine with a head full of hair that merges into a well-groomed beard. He’s rubbed shoulders with the King, met the Queen and befriended the Beatles. Merrill Osmond was the voice behind his family’s biggest hits including the number one smash “One Bad Apple,” and top five “Down By The Lazy River” and “Yo-Yo.” He is complex, compassionate and not shy about affirming his faith, discussing his family or admitting his love of rock music. During their heyday (1971-1974) The Osmonds competed with Janis Joplin, Three Dog Night, Wings, Rod Stewart and a host of rocks luminaries to scale the top of the charts. They were there before The Sweet, Slade or Bay City Rollers, carrying the tag bubble-gum pop as the first boy band.

Competition was fierce between their “white bread” R&B sound and the Detroit funk of the Jackson 5. Signed by MGM executive Mike Curb, the Utah-based quintet were shuffled down to Muscle Shoals, Alabama to work with Rick Hall of Fame Studios, home of the “Muscle Shoals sound” and recording hot spot for Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. Occasionally, a scruffy bunch of rednecks would drive up from Jacksonville, Florida unbathed and unshaved to work with Blood Sweat and Tears man Al Kooper. They called themselves Lynyrd Skynyrd. “I never wanted to be the lead singer of the group,” says Merrill in our chat before his appearance in the UK production of the Spirit of Christmas at Reno’s Eldorado Casino. “Rick kept asking each of us to step up to the mic and sing. He pointed to me over and over and told me to sing louder. I always thought Jay had the better rock and roll voice.”

Long hours and a mom and dad willing to sacrifice it all for their superstar kids made the Osmonds the biggest household name among Middle America. “We had a destiny, if you want to call it that,” says Merrill. “Our parents understood balance. When it came to moving forward in the entertainment industry they made sure our morals and values were in check – even though they were completely opposite of what the music industry was pushing.” In the midst of their image makeover came a call from the King. “I had no idea my mother knew Elvis Presley,” continues Merrill. “One day Elvis called to speak with her and we all thought it was a joke.” Their friendship with Presley spilled over into their diamond-studded jumpsuits and Karate-styled stage moves. “He once told me that when your fans bring their kids to your show, you’ve bridged the generation gap. I think we did that when we sold out Wembley Stadium for our 50th Anniversary world tour.”

Osmania in the early Seventies was on par with Beatlemania in the Sixties. The band even hired ex-Beatle agent Ed Lefler to run their publicity but the relationship turned sour when prostitutes and drugs were planted in the group’s room. “A lot of people in the music business wanted to see a scandal with the Osmonds,” says Merrill. “It was astounding how far they would go for sensationalism.” The struggle to be taken as serious musicians was a constant battle. “Ringo Starr wrote a scathing piece in one of the UK magazines just blasting us,” relates Merrill. “We were big fans so it crushed us – we didn’t know what to do. Then, a couple days later, Paul McCartney wrote a rebuttal in the same magazine claiming he liked and admired what we were doing. Imagine two Beatles in controversy over the Osmonds. We later met Paul in France and our friendship really took off. He encouraged us to be original and keep writing.” Merrill admits the group’s first three albums Osmonds (1971), Homemade (1971) and Phase III (1972) were contrived and designed to be slick pop records that would sell millions. They did just that… to the tune of 46 million. Then, they met Led Zeppelin.

“The record company wanted us to put out a record every six month plus tour and promote,” says Merrill. “It was an exhausting schedule. We wanted our own place to record and more time to write so Mike Curb built us a studio on the back of the MGM lot.” When it came time to do the fourth record the Osmonds no longer relied on session musicians; they had become self-sufficient as a band and were writing more power rock. “When we were on tour in Europe, Led Zeppelin invited us on stage for one of their big events,” continues Merrill. “Later we hung out backstage and talked about how we really dug their entire music concept.” The older three Osmonds, Allen, Wayne and Merrill were coming into their own as songwriters and Wayne really took to Jimmy Page. “He harnessed that energy and came up with the riff to ‘Hold Her Tight,’ says Merrill. “That was the heaviest thing we ever wrote…then came ‘Crazy Horses’.”

The songwriting credits to “Crazy Horses” lists the older three Osmond brothers. It had a thunderous bass beat, chugging guitar and electronic whine that not only caught the attention of fans, but proved the band had the chops to compete with Grand Funk Railroad and the budding Blue Oyster Cult. “It was our version of hard rock,” says Merrill, “We gave them their music with our lyrics.” The rock-oriented Crazy Horses (1972) marked a dramatic departure and increased confidence within the band. They formed their own label, Kolob music and set about writing their most ambitious body of work to date. “I was deeply influenced by the Beatles ‘White’ album,” says Merrill. “Some very spiritual things happened to us around that time and we wanted to write about it.” What developed was a prog-rock concept piece with undercurrents based on their religious beliefs. “The label hated The Plan (1973),” confesses Merrill, “but I consider it our ‘White’ album.”

Over time, critics and fans have come to view the Osmond’s later recordings in a more favorable light. Google “Crazy Horses” and you’ll find over half a dozen hard rock outfits have covered the song including Tank, Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Pretty Maids, Mission UK, KMFDM, Mortals, Throat, The Gomers and most recently stoner band Puny Human. Racer X/Mr. Big guitarist Paul Gilbert covered “Hold Her Tight” on his Eleven Thousand Notes DVD all the while the Osmond’s several compilations featuring both tracks continues to sell. At the height of the group’s commercial success came a call that would change them forever. Says Merrill, “Right in the middle of the band, the television offers started pouring in. It was Red Silverman that contacted us about putting together a variety show with Donnie and Marie. The mindset of the Osmonds has always been ‘one for all and all for one.’ The band engine came to a full stop and reversed itself to support the Donnie and Marie show. I became the show’s Executive Producer and it became the highest-ranking variety show of all time.”

Next year marks the Osmond’s 50th anniversary in show business. To celebrate they are planning a world tour of which several dates have already sold out including the above-mentioned Wembley shows. “If you would have told me even two years ago that the ground swell in Europe would be what it is today, I’d have thought you were crazy,” says Merrill. “We sold out Wembley in seven minutes twice - now they have extended the tour into Asia and Australia. The show will be divided into three segments beginning the first hour with just the brothers, then Donnie and Marie and finally “little” Jimmy. Says Merrill, “Were going to open up with ‘Crazy Horses’ just to prove we can still kick ‘em in the teeth live.”

- The Cutting Edge


"Osmonds Announce Branson's Caravelle Theatre As New Home in 2011"

The Osmond Brothers will be opening their 2011 Season at Branson’s Caravelle Theatre on April 18.

“We are very excited to have this new location right in the heart of the world famous Branson strip. We look forward to a full season beginning in the spring. As always, we feel at home in Branson since we first opened our theatre here in 1992,” said Jimmy Osmond.

The Osmond 2011 Branson schedule includes shows in April, May and June. Fall dates are in September and October. The Osmond’s traditional Christmas shows are scheduled in November and December.

The Osmond Brothers have been performing in front of world-wide audiences for 53 years. “We are so happy that our loyal fan base here in the States and around the world continue to enjoy coming to see us here in Branson. This new venue will give our guests a chance to get up close and personal with the Brothers,”continued Osmond.

“The Caravelle Theatre is very proud to be welcoming The
Osmonds back to the Branson Strip. The Brothers bring World Class talent and fame with their Branson show as they celebrate more than 50 years of being America’s Favorite Family of Entertainment. We're delighted to be hostingThe Osmond Brothers and listening again to their hits we all grew up with!", said Marlene Mock, Caravelle Theatre owner.

The Osmonds have sold millions of albums and have several gold and platinum records to their credit. They have broken records for sell out performances once held by the Beatles and Elvis. and won numerous awards including the People's Choice Award, as well as Best Vocal Group and Best Show in Branson. The Osmond Family has also been honored for their achievements in the entertainment industry with a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For additional scheduling information visit The Osmond’s website at www.osmond.com.

- Osmond


Discography

http://osmondmania.com/Discography2/MerrillDisc.html

Photos

Bio

Merrill’s unique lead voice of the famous Osmond family is also an established solo artist. Merrill Osmond has performed throughout the world in virtually every major venue. Merrill’s incredible voice comes through as the lead singer of the Osmond Brothers, as you have heard on some you hear on hit records such as “One Bad Apple”, ”Crazy Horses”, “Yo-Yo”, “Down by the Lazy River”, “Love Me for a Reason” and many other countless hits.

In collaboration with his brothers, Merrill sang lead to the group's collective unbelievable 27 gold records - many of which he shared the production credits and has written the music and lyrics for five number one hit records. Collectively the Osmonds have produced 47 platinum and gold records. In the history of the rock era, no other recording artists have earned as many gold records in one year as the Osmond family. Not even the Beatles surpassed the record of the Osmond’s eleven gold award certificates in one year, a record the Osmonds still hold today.

Merrill Osmond’s powerful influence in the music and entertainment industry leaves a legacy that embraces principles that strengthens families. He is deeply committed to the ideals that have powerfully changed the view of the role we play in the world around us. His talent as a strong leader has moved him into other productions serving as the executive producer of the “Donny and Marie Show,” on ABC-TV, and many other special presentations for TV as well as motion picture.

Merrill Osmond is also a songwriter, author, producer, motivational speaker and philanthropist. He has produced over 90 teleplays and scripts for television. Merrill brings his amazing talent as a songwriter, writing lyrics and music to many of his recent releases. He is also an author, recently releasing a biography and a book amplifying the depth of the Osmond’s 70’s gospel rock album the Plan.

Merrill’s remarkable achievements have earned him notable recognition and honorable titles such as one of the “Ten Outstanding Men,” 1982 for the United States Jaycees. He has received two “People’s Choice Awards,” four number #1 “Billboard Hits,” and two “Grammy Award” nominations. In 2003, the Osmond Family were honored for their achievements with their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Merrill’s extraordinary leadership skills have been recognized by both President Ronald Regan and President George Bush. Both Presidents have requested his expertise in producing two prominent events, “The Making of an Inauguration” for President Ronald Regan, and on behalf of President George Bush’s Inauguration in 1989, “The Quincentennial Inaugural Ball.” One event that was special to his heart was, “Operation Family Front,” as special benefit and television program that provided for the families of servicemen in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Merrill’s true intentional love for the lives he touches shows up in his philanthropic work as the co-founder of the Osmond Foundation, which produces the “The Children’s Miracle Network Telethon.” one of the largest children's charities in the world. It has helped raise over 4 billion dollars for Children's Hospitals worldwide. He has been awarded “Honorary Chairman,” and “Medalist,” in his work for the Utah Special Olympics. Merrill has received many awards for his work with the youth; his passion to serve others comes from his devotion to God and his fellow man. He served in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina accompanying a Quick Response Relief Team to the affected areas providing emergency relief, shelter and support. Most recently he was honored with a Knighthood by the Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem in recognition of his philanthropic involvement with religious and charitable organizations.