Osmonds in Layton for rare Utah show; Jimmy Osmond reflects on friend Michael Jackson

In light of recent events, Jimmy Osmond feels especially blessed to be performing with brothers Merrill, Wayne and Jay at Layton's Kenley Centennial Amphitheater this weekend.

As it so happened, he spoke to the Standard-Examiner the day after Michael Jackson's death.

Osmond can't help but see many similarities in the Jacksons and the Osmonds, especially during their glory years as teen idols in the '70s.

"I also used to work for Michael," Osmond said, speaking from his home in Provo. Among his many businesses, the youngest Osmond brother owns theaters and manages tour productions. It was through the latter enterprise that Osmond got to know Jackson well.

"Michael and I got an opportunity to be more than just 'hi-'bye' guys. I actually brokered his Asian tours when he did his 'Bad' album, and we stayed in touch after that. He was a friend and I will miss him. It is quite a shock.

"And I know how important his family was to him -- like mine is to me. His family was there for him during some tough times. Frankly, I think the Jacksons are a lot more intact than people give them credit for."

MORE: Standard Examiner

CMN Dedicates New Building

Jimmy Osmond was on hand today in Salt Lake City for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new building to house the Children's Miracle Network, a charity the Osmonds helped organize.

"I'm thrilled with the progress, and on behalf of my family I want to thank all of you that work so hard for CMN in helping 17 million people a year," Osmond said.

KSL.com

Join One Hearts in helping Homeless Families

PLEASE JOIN ONEHEART.ORG & WARMINGFAMILIES.COM!

We are teaming up to make cams to "Warm Homeless Families" before Christmas!
Kaye, our director says: "It doesn't matter, whether you crochet, knit, loom
or sew, you can create hats."
Join us at: http://warmingfamilies.ning.com and http://oneheart.org
Alan Osmond

Summer Song Favorite: 'One Bad Apple'

Watch The Osmonds Perform "One Bad Apple"

Redferns/Getty Images

Watch The Video

Watch The Osmonds Perform "One Bad Apple"

All Things Considered, July 2, 2009 - For the second in a series of summer songs, All Things Considered host Melissa Block spoke to author Ann Patchett, who wrote The Patron Saint of Liars, Bel Canto and Run, among others. Patchett shares what she calls "a deeply humiliating story" about the song she thinks of when she thinks of summer.

At a neighborhood party last weekend, as everyone was talking about favorite Michael Jackson songs, Patchett slipped up and named "One Bad Apple," which she thought was recorded by the Jackson 5.

But, no. That's The Osmonds, doing their best to imitate the Jacksons. Patchett says she has probably spent her whole adult life fooling herself into thinking she was cool back then, but her rural Tennessee upbringing almost surely means she and her friends only listened to the squeaky-clean Mormon brothers. "We worshipped them," says Patchett.

She remembers spending the summer of 1971 on a farm in Ashland City, Tenn., with her sister Heather and her two stepsisters, Tina and Angie. They didn't have a record player, so they spent most of their time dialing the local radio station, enduring the busy signal until they could finally get through to request "One Bad Apple," over and over again.

NPR

Be Thankful for Moisture

Some may call me crazy, but if you're following me on Twitter you've probably seen one or two comments about how much I love the rain. Let's just say, "we don't get much during Utah summers."

I realize Utahns don't have much to complain about when comparing weather patterns with Arizona or Nevada. But during these dry months, a little rain is pretty nice every now and then.

However, in Mormondum, rain isn't called rain. It's called moisture... and we're thankful for it. Come to think of it, the same can said about snow, sleet, fog, dew, etc. -- it's all moisture.

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MORMON TIMES

Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Marshalls in a Second Generation of Osmonds

The Osmond 2nd Generation and Their Parents, Alan and Suzanne Osmond, Will Be Grand Marshalls of the July 24th Pioneer Day Parade and Will Sing the National Anthem That Night at the Rodeo

OGDEN, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It’s no secret the Osmond family has always been a little bit country and a little bit rock ’n roll, but this July their country side will be on full display as The Osmond 2nd Generation and their parents, Alan and Suzanne, appear as Grand Marshalls at the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration.

The Osmond 2nd Generation, known for singing, dancing and harmonizing around the world, will reinforce the theme of this year’s celebration “A tradition, make it yours” by providing good, wholesome family entertainment.

“We want the 75th Anniversary Celebration to be a memorable event for years to come and being able to include The Osmond 2nd Generation with the other activities we’ve planned really is the icing on the cake,” said Desiree Cooper-Larsen, Ogden Pioneer Days Committee Chairwoman. "We want people to start planning their schedules now, so they don’t miss out on all the activities we’ve got planned for this year’s celebration."

As Grand Marshalls the Osmonds will participate in well over 50 events and activities during the 75th Anniversary Celebration, including:

* July 18~10:30 David Osmond at the ribbon cutting of the Children's Treehouse Museum Exhibit "How The West Was Fun"
* July 18~8:00 David Osmond and the Osmond 2nd Generation Concert at the Stewart Amphitheater. Tickets are available at Smith’s Tix and range in cost between $10.00 and $18.00.
* July 19~6:30 Alan and Suzanne and David Osmond Community Interfaith Fireside at the Ogden City Tabernacle
* July 24~9:00 Osmond Family Grand Marshalls for the OPD Parade
* July 24~7:30 David Osmond and the Osmond 2nd Generation singing the National Anthem at the OPD Rodeo

The Osmond 2nd Generation consists of Alan Osmond’s eight sons, Michael, Nathan, Douglas, David, Scott, Jon, Alex and Tyler. The group began performing together in the mid-1980s when the four oldest brothers performed on a Bob Hope TV special. Since then, the group has performed at state fairs, Disneyland, TV specials, Broadway plays and musicals and has even recorded a number of albums, including their most recent CD entitled “I Love America.” They have had 4 top 20 hit records and David Osmond was a recent finalist on American Idol. David Osmond’s current single, “Last Day,” is available exclusively on iTunes.

“A lot of people don’t realize it, but the Osmonds have a long history in Ogden and many of the Osmonds, including Donny, were born in Ogden,” said Alan E. Hall, Honorary Chairman of the 75th Anniversary Celebration Committee. “This will be a bit of a homecoming for the Osmonds and we’re thrilled to have them join us and participate as Grand Marshalls and know that their talents will be enjoyed by all who attend the parade and rodeo on the 24th of July.”

In addition to the rodeo, the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration events and activities will also include a Pioneer Day parade, a concert by the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Ogio FMX Motorcycle Flyers, National Day of the American Cowboy celebration, fireworks shows, a huge pancake breakfast, the Traces of the West art show, 61 life-sized ceramic horses that are displayed around the city and more.

About Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Celebration

Established in 1934 Ogden Pioneer Days celebrates 75 years of western life, bringing real meaning to the slogan “A tradition… make it yours.” Nominated “The Best Rodeo in America” by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration combines the excitement and heart-pounding.

Source

Don Osmond NEW blog on DesNews

Don is going to be doing a new blog for the Desert News, in addition to the one he does for Mormon Times. Check out this new entry titled: DonSense: Who's Your Daddy.

http://www.deseretnews.com/blogs/1,5322,10001039,00.html

4th of July Tea Party

This Saturday is July 4th, America's Birthday. The Patriot's Day Tea Party is a gathering of Americans from all walks of life, from all parties, all organizations, all with one goal...the restoration of the Republic and the Constitution reinstated as the rule of law. We are speaking up for America. Americans uniting in a single voice in defense of our nation.

Lakeridge Junior High Football Field
951 South 400 West
Orem, UT
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Doug is listed as a both a speaker and musician for this celebration of our country.

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Answering the call when something is at stake

Don Osmond

Have you ever gotten the "call"? You know what I'm talking about. The phone rings with an unknown number, but curiosity gets the best of you and you answer it.

The voice on the other end says, "Hello, this is President Harold from the stake."

That's about the time your heart sinks to the bottom of your gut. Butterflies don't even begin to compare to the anxiety that engulfs your body. Autopilot kicks in, and you systematically go through every potential question he could ask.

MORE MORMON TIMES

Summer Showcase: Nathan Osmond

Even though Nathan Osmond grew up taking tour buses and making TV appearances with his family singing group, "Osmond Second Generation," he says he feels honored to be counted among the semifinalists of the MormonTimes.com "Summer Showcase" music contest.

"I'm just one of many talented people in this mix," Osmond said. "There's a lot of talent in this church. I'm just honored to be numbered among the talent that's out there."

Osmond is pursuing a career in country music and just released his first album, "Feels Like Heaven."

MORE MORMON TIMES

Osmond News!

Finally! The Osmond Brothers will perform in Layton on July 11. Here's a much-anticipated press release about the concert:

LAYTON, Utah—The Davis Arts Council is bringing the Osmond Brothers to the Ed Kenley Amphitheater on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 8 p.m. This concert is part of the Summer Nights with the Stars concert series at the DAC.

In 1962, the Osmond Brothers were seen by Andy Williams’ father singing in Disneyland, a gig they attained after being discovered by a talent scout. The boys auditioned for the Andy Williams’ show and eventually became regulars singing their barbershop quartet music.

In 1971, with help from their younger brother Donny, the Osmond’s acquired nine gold records – the most any other recording act has received in a single year, surpassing the Beatles and Elvis. To date, the brothers have sold more than 77 million records and have over 30 gold records. In 1992, the brothers bought and began performing at their own theater in Branson, Missouri. Now Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and Jimmy are coming back to Utah and will perform at the Ed Kenley Amphitheater in Layton for one night only.

The Osmond Brothers join the line-up of stars for the Summer Concert Series at the Davis Arts Council. The brothers perform on Saturday, July 11. The amphitheater gates open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $24 with discounts available for seniors and children.

For more information please call the Davis Arts Council at 801-546-8575 or visit http://www.davisarts.org

Source

Ogden Pioneer Days to feature Osmonds 2nd Generation

OGDEN — The Osmonds 2nd Generation and their parents, Alan and Suzanne, will appear as grand marshals at the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration parade on July 24.

The parade begins at 9 a.m.

The Osmonds 2nd Generation, known around the world for singing, dancing and harmonizing, will reinforce the theme of this year's celebration, "A Tradition, Make It Yours," by providing good, wholesome family entertainment, according to a news release from event organizers.

The family will participate in more than 50 events during the celebration, including:

July 18, 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting at Chidren's Treehouse Museum exhibit "How the West Was Fun."

July 18, 8 p.m.: Osmond family concert at Stewart Amphitheater. Tickets cost between $10 and $18; available at Smith's Tix.

July 19, 6:30 p.m.: Alan, Suzanne and David Osmond perform at a community interfaith fireside at the Ogden Tabernacle.

July 24, 9 a.m.: Osmond family serves as grand marshals during parade.

July 24, 7:30 p.m.: David Osmond and Osmonds 2nd Generation singing the national anthem at the rodeo.

For more information about the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.ogdenpioneerdays.com.

Donny Osmond recalls old friend

Their last conversation was about 18 months ago. Close friends throughout their iconic careers, Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond stayed in touch by telephone over the years.

"We met when we were about 13," Osmond recalled Friday, a few hours before taking the stage for the Donny & Marie Show at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
The teen idols bonded over an uncanny number of coincidences: Both were members of famous musical families before they reached their teen years. Both were from families with nine children. Both were the seventh child.

"Our mothers were even born on the same day," said Osmond, "and our fathers were both extreme disciplinarians, although my father was not a Joe Jackson."

At 14, Jackson had his first No. 1, "Ben," in 1972. It was written for Osmond, but he was later told they couldn't reach him because he was touring.

That made 'em even. "One Bad Apple," The Osmond family's' No. 1 hit in 1971 (when Donny was 14) "was written for Michael."

The similarities continued. Donny and Marie had a TV show. So did Michael and Janet, briefly.

"Michael said he hated every second of it," said Osmond.

Jackson was living in Las Vegas when they last talked.

During that last conversation, Osmond remembers asking Jackson, "Where are you?

"I can't tell you," said Jackson.

"You can't tell me?" said Osmond, gently chiding his longtime friend.

"Please don't tell anyone," said Jackson.

"I rented a motor home and I'm down in Arizona. I just want to hide. I want to get away from people," said Jackson.

Osmond invited him to drive up to Utah. Jackson said, 'I'm going to take you up on that."

But that was it. "He shut it down after that," said Osmond. "He isolated himself after that. His life was in shambles," from financial setbacks and scandal.

Jackson, 50, died of cardiac arrest Thursday at home in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles.

"It's been a tough day," Osmond said Friday. It was audible in his voice. In a matter of days, three show business people he knew had died. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Jackson.

He recalled another telephone call, maybe three or four years ago. This one came from Stevie Wonder, who invited Osmond over to his recording studio.

When he got there, they chatted, and Wonder cut to the chase.

"What I really wanted you here for is to get closer to Michael because he really needs some help," Wonder told him.

Osmond did a cover of Wonder's 1976 No. 1 hit "I Wish" and took it to Jackson's Neverland Ranch to play it for him. That was the kind of friendship they had.

When Jackson's megahit "Thriller" came out in 1984, "I went to see him to see if he could help me get my career back on track.

"I asked him, 'How do I get back on the charts?"

"Change your image," said Jackson, "and your name."

SOURCE: Las Vegas Review

Osmond family reacts to Michael Jackson's death

SOURCE: ABC 4 Utah

OREM, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Despite all his problems and pain, the self-proclaimed "King of Pop" is getting a lot of credit for his impact on the music world. Alan Osmond, a member of the Osmond family tells ABC 4 that Jackson's troubles won't diminish his legacy.

Osmond says his death is sudden, shocking and most of all sad, especially since Jackson was only 50 years old. "I admire Michael for the way he handled his life as far as an entertainer," says Osmond.

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Jimmy Osmond recalls friendship with Jackson

Deseret News

As they rose through the various stages of stardom in the '70s, the Osmonds and the Jacksons were often seen as competitors. But Provo native Jimmy Osmond says the two families were "always friendly."

"It's a huge loss for every one of us," he said regarding the Thursday death of Michael Jackson.

Osmond said his only regret is not keeping in contact with Jackson after the 2005 court trial in which Jackson was acquitted of various sex abuse allegations. "But I relish the days I did have an association with him."

After their first introduction at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, the two families of singers — which showcased much the same dynamic then — vied for the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Osmond said "One Bad Apple," one of the greatest hits of his brother, Donny Osmond, was actually a tune that the Jackson family passed on. But Donny still grew to be good friends with Michael Jackson, sharing a stage with him at the fist American Music Awards created by Dick Clark in 1973.

Over the years, Jimmy Osmond, now 46, said his family kept in touch with Jackson, who occasionally offered them professional advice, but always respected them and their own track to fame.

"Michael reached a whole different level of celebrity," Jimmy Osmond said. "He did things that were so revolutionary and so on the edge. We've never gone there."

The youngest Osmond brother recalls playing soccer with the Jackson Five "in the halls of a hotel, while 5,000 girls were outside screaming in hysteria." He remembers going swimming at the Jackson home in California decades ago, and remembers the King of Pop as having a "huge heart."

"The entertainment business can be such a phony, fake business, but as a human being, he was wonderful," he said.

Jackson later accepted one of Osmond's brokering deals when his album "Bad" was released overseas in 1987. The move bolstered the relatively young broker's career, giving him even more opportunity than he believes he would have had without working with such a popular man or event.

"Because he took a shot with me in the past, and took a couple of my deals, he really blessed my personal life," Osmond said. "He opened up a whole world of credibility for me, not only being a performer but brokering other high-end deals for performers."

Osmond said he would often defend his showbiz friend when others would criticize various actions or habits lit up by the media. He always believed Jackson was "severely misunderstood."

"He is a good person," he said. "He was in a weird business where sometimes you've got to create something unique to get attention for a specific project. Michael was just who he was. He was a media magnet, and he knew how to do things that were fun for him but yet were so out of the ordinary that he created such a stir. But he had the talent to back it up."

Osmond, who just finished a long run of theatrical performances in England, said Jackson's career epitomized the "perfect combination" of being media-savvy, talented and having the ability to move and also to see a trend and go with it.

"He just had it all."

Donny Osmond Reminisces about Michael Jackson at The Insider

Donny Osmond Reminisces about Michael Jackson at The Insider

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