Wayne Osmond, a talented singer, guitarist, and founding member of the popular family band The Osmonds, has passed away at the age of 73. He was known for his contributions to hits such as “One Bad Apple,” 'Yo-Yo,' and “Down By the Lazy River” in the 1970s.
Wayne Osmond's brother, Merrill Osmond, announced his passing on social media, revealing that Wayne had suffered a massive stroke and passed away at a hospital in Salt Lake City.
Wayne Osmond was part of a musical family, growing up as the second oldest of nine children in a Mormon household in Ogden, Utah. The Osmond siblings began their musical journey in the 1950s as a barbershop quartet consisting of Wayne, Alan, Merrill, and Jay.
The Osmonds gained popularity in the 1960s with the support of singer Andy Williams and reached their peak as a quintet in the early 1970s, with Donny Osmond emerging as a breakout star. Their music, including hits like “One Bad Apple,” drew comparisons to their contemporaries, the Jackson 5.
While The Osmonds' popularity waned in the mid-1970s, Donny and Marie Osmond went on to achieve success as solo artists and as a duo. In the 1980s, Wayne Osmond reunited with his brothers as a country music group and enjoyed some chart success.
However, Wayne faced health challenges in the 1990s when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, leading to hearing loss following surgery and treatment. A stroke in 2012 further impacted his ability to play the guitar.
In a 2018 interview, Wayne Osmond expressed gratitude for his life despite his health struggles, finding joy in simple pleasures like tending to his yard. He shared that being deaf had its own unique joys.
Wayne Osmond married Kathlyn White in 1974, and they raised five children together.
