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

Wayne Osmond, the talented singer and guitarist from the iconic family group the Osmonds, has sadly passed away at the age of 73. His daughter, Amy Cook, confirmed that Wayne died on Wednesday at the University of Utah Hospital due to complications from a recent stroke, leaving fans and family heartbroken.

The Osmonds, known for their string of hits in the 1970s such as “One Bad Apple” and “Yo-Yo,” captivated audiences and rose to immense popularity, often compared to the Jackson Five. Donny Osmond's high-pitched voice became a sensation, contributing to their dizzying fame. The fervor surrounding the Osmonds reached a fevered pitch during their visit to the UK in 1972, where their arrival sparked scenes reminiscent of the Beatles’ early days.

Although Wayne’s baritone voice may not have made the biggest splash initially, his contributions were crucial to the group. Not only did he provide the deep tones that anchored many of their songs, but he was also a talented musician who played multiple instruments like lead guitar and woodwinds. Wayne showcased his songwriting prowess with his heartfelt 1972 ballad, “And You Love Me,” written for his wife, Kathryn White, a former Ms. Utah.

Born Melvin Wayne Osmond on August 28, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, he was raised in a household that valued music and traditional Mormon values. As the fourth of nine children, he began performing at a remarkably young age of six. With an impressive ability to play 18 instruments, including the banjo and bagpipes, Wayne became known for his exceptional guitar skills.

The Osmonds' fortunes shifted in the early 1960s when a chance encounter at Disneyland brought them to the attention of crooner Andy Williams' father. This pivotal moment led to their debut on "The Andy Williams Show" in 1962, solidifying their path to fame. The group later transitioned from the Osmond Brothers to the Osmonds, paving the way for their explosive success in the music industry.

Despite facing significant health challenges—such as surviving a brain tumor in his childhood and a stroke in 2012 that affected his ability to play guitar—Wayne remained dedicated to his family and passions in life. In recent years, he enjoyed fly fishing and spending quality time with his family, which included his wife, Kathlyn, their five children, and 20 grandchildren.

Wayne Osmond’s legacy extends beyond his music. A devoted member of the Latter-day Saints community, he believed his faith was a fundamental part of his identity and lifestyle, emphasizing a moral compass that guided his life decisions.

He is survived by his loving wife, children, and his eight siblings—Virl, Tom, Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy. As the music community mourns the passing of this incredible talent, fans will forever cherish the joy and melodies he brought to their lives. The Osmonds’ impact on pop culture remains etched in history, and Wayne's contributions will not be forgotten.