Wayne Osmond plays guitar during an Osmonds 50th anniversary show at the Orleans hotel-casino in Las Vegas in 2007. Osmond has died at age 73. (Steve Marcus/Reuters)
Wayne Osmond, a celebrated singer, guitarist, and a founding member of the iconic family band The Osmonds, has passed away at the age of 73. Known for chart-topping hits like One Bad Apple, Yo-Yo, and Down by the Lazy River during their 1970s heyday, Wayne played a pivotal role in the success of the million-selling group.
The news of his passing was shared by his brother, Merrill Osmond, in a heartfelt post on Facebook. Merrill revealed that Wayne died this week at a hospital in Salt Lake City following a "massive stroke."
"I’ve never known a man with more humility," Merrill wrote. "He was quick to forgive, a man without guile, and someone who radiated unconditional love to everyone he met."
Wayne Osmond, Founding Member of The Osmonds, Passes Away at 73
A Musical Journey Rooted in Family
Born as the fourth oldest of nine siblings in Ogden, Utah, Wayne was raised in a devout Mormon family. Among the musical members of the Osmond clan, he was the second eldest. Wayne's musical journey began in the 1950s when he joined brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay to form a barbershop quartet.
The group gained traction in the 1960s, thanks in part to the support of singer Andy Williams. Their fame skyrocketed in the early 1970s when younger brother Donny joined the lineup, solidifying their position as a beloved teen pop sensation.
The Osmonds, Jay, Jimmy, Merrill and Wayne, left to right, perform during a taping of their 50th anniversary show in Las Vegas. (Isaac Brekken/The Associated Press)
Their sound, often compared to contemporaries like the Jackson 5, resonated with fans, with Donny emerging as a breakout star and a white counterpart to Michael Jackson. Although the group’s mainstream popularity began to wane by the mid-1970s, siblings Donny and Marie Osmond enjoyed notable individual and duo success.
In the 1980s, Wayne joined Alan, Merrill, and Jay to reinvent the group as a country act. They found success with songs like I Think About Your Lovin’.
Health Challenges and Resilience
Wayne’s later years were marked by significant health struggles. In the mid-1990s, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which led to hearing loss following surgery and treatment. Despite these challenges, Wayne’s positive outlook never wavered.
A stroke in 2012 rendered him unable to play the guitar, yet he embraced life’s simple pleasures. “I’ve had a wonderful life,” Wayne shared in a 2018 interview with Deseret News. “Not hearing is not all it’s cracked up to be. I love taking care of my yard, turning my hearing aids off, and enjoying the quiet.”
A Life Full of Love
Wayne married Kathlyn White in 1974, and together they raised five children. Throughout his life, Wayne remained a beloved figure, both within his family and among his fans, remembered not just for his musical talent but for his warmth, humility, and resilience.
His legacy as a musician and family man will continue to inspire generations.
