Wayne Osmond, Beloved Osmonds Singer and Guitarist, Passes Away at 73

Wayne Osmond, a prominent figure in the music world and founding member of the famed family group The Osmonds, passed away this week at a Salt Lake City hospital. He was 73.

His brother, Merrill Osmond, announced the news on social media, revealing that Wayne succumbed to a “massive stroke.” Merrill reflected on Wayne’s character, describing him as a humble man who displayed unwavering love and compassion for all.

Born into a large family in Ogden, Utah, Wayne was the fourth oldest of nine siblings. The Osmonds began their musical journey in the 1950s, performing as a barbershop quartet before gaining fame in the 1960s with the assistance of singer Andy Williams.

They soared to stardom in the early 1970s, producing hits like “One Bad Apple” and “Down By the Lazy River.” The Osmonds’ music was often compared to that of the Jackson 5, with younger brother Donny Osmond emerging as a standout star in the group.

Despite their initial success, the group’s popularity waned by the mid-1970s. However, Donny and Marie Osmond found their own paths as solo artists and a successful duo. In the 1980s, Wayne reunited with Alan, Merrill, and Jay to explore country music, yielding hits such as “I Think About Your Lovin.’”

Wayne’s later years were marred by health challenges. A brain tumor in the mid-1990s severely impacted his hearing, and a stroke in 2012 rendered him unable to play guitar. Yet, he expressed contentment in simpler pleasures, stating in a 2018 interview, “My favorite thing now is to take care of my yard.”

Wayne Osmond is survived by his wife, Kathlyn White, whom he married in 1974, along with their five children.