The question seemed to come out of nowhere last Sunday, when a young woman asked about my current betrothal.
"Of course I am. Why do you ask?" came my response with conviction.
"It's just that I've not seen Jessi in the ward since her last visit in July."
Hmm … interesting logic. I probed for supporting evidence on her claim.
VISIT MORMONTIMES for the rest of the article.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
David Osmond travels Road Less Traveled
Lu Ann Brobst Staheli
Special Correspondent
David Osmond has been singing almost from the time he could talk, but his life journey has not always been easy. "Everyone thinks that because your last name is Osmond, the doors to a music career are already opened. Sometimes that's the very reason the doors are closed," Osmond says.
But making a name for himself as a solo act is not the only struggle David Osmond has experienced. "When I was eighteen, I had the opportunity to play the role of Joseph as an understudy for my uncle Donny. It was great, and my career was leading me places I really wanted to go," Osmond says. "Then it all came crashing to a sudden halt when I found myself in a wheelchair, unable to even move my toes."
At first doctors weren't sure what had brought on the problem and its varying symptoms--difficulty seeing, breathing, and hardly being able to move--but soon they had an idea. Lesions on his brain indicated David was showing signs of Multiple Sclerosis. "Of all things, the doctors theory was that a mosquito bite carrying the West Nile Virus was what 'triggered' the auto-immune reaction, causing the MS which I still have today."
"MS was something I had seen my father, Alan Osmond, live with for years," David says. "But mine struck hard and soon I was in a wheelchair, thinking I might never walk--or sing--again." The effects of the disease made it nearly impossible for Osmond to have the breath control needed to sing even a single song, let alone do an entire concert. Natural therapies, a good wife, and lots of prayers have brought David back onto the stage and given him a second chance. "I have been so richly blessed," Osmond says. "I truly believe in miracles, because I am living one."
Although he still lives with pain every moment of the day, David knows that performing is what he was meant to do in life. "If my music brings joy to another, then I have truly fulfilled my calling," he says.
Osmond found himself back in the spotlight when he was featured as a contestant on American Idol. Although he didn't make the Top 12--"Laryngitis!" he says, laughing at the memory--it did show the world that he definitely has a voice and looked to be back in top form. "A.I. opened a few more doors for me, and I knew I had to follow my dream of once again being a recording artist." (Osmond and his brothers had several hit singles in Europe and the U.S. in the 1990s.)
Last year David released a solo album, "Reflected," that he says gave him a chance to showcase his writing as well as his singing ability. "It proved that I was ready to take a giant leap of faith to forward my career, and it gave me a venue to prove I had broader range than just being a lead singer in a boy band."
That leap of faith is what brought him to the attention of Shadow Mountain executives. "I had already had the experience of working many solo tracks with other LDS artists, and the time in the studio for the solo CD taught me a lot about the craft. I was excited for the opportunity to share my experiences and the lessons I've learned with this new audience, as well as to offer praise to the One who had made this all possible."
Osmond's path has led him to "Road Less Traveled," a double CD released this week by Shadow Mountain. "This is my opportunity to bring messages of hope and praise to a wider audience," Osmond says. "But this is not your typical 'Sounds of Sunday.'" Osmond wrote almost all the tunes, along with his partner Aaron Edson. "Don't forget that song called 'Let Me In,' written by three other guys named Osmond," he adds laughingly. Then he becomes serious as he says, "It was great being able to do a remix with my dad, and I even let him sing along on the lead part. He sounded great."
The title song, inspired in part by his grandpa Pinegar who recently passed away, like the other songs chosen for this album, were all meaningful to David in some way. "My grandpa was an honest man, filled with integrity and dedicated to hard work. I wanted to honor those traits because he was such an inspiration to me." Just more proof why David has chosen to follow the road less traveled.
A bonus CD features five favorite hymns, chosen Osmond says, "Because they were personal favorites that resonated with me. I felt such emotion while singing them, and I wished I'd had written theses songs. I wanted this part of the project to stand as almost a prayer."
Road Less Traveled is available at Deseret Book both in-store and online, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and DavidOsmond.com.
Source: Spanish Fork Press
Special Correspondent
David Osmond has been singing almost from the time he could talk, but his life journey has not always been easy. "Everyone thinks that because your last name is Osmond, the doors to a music career are already opened. Sometimes that's the very reason the doors are closed," Osmond says.
But making a name for himself as a solo act is not the only struggle David Osmond has experienced. "When I was eighteen, I had the opportunity to play the role of Joseph as an understudy for my uncle Donny. It was great, and my career was leading me places I really wanted to go," Osmond says. "Then it all came crashing to a sudden halt when I found myself in a wheelchair, unable to even move my toes."
At first doctors weren't sure what had brought on the problem and its varying symptoms--difficulty seeing, breathing, and hardly being able to move--but soon they had an idea. Lesions on his brain indicated David was showing signs of Multiple Sclerosis. "Of all things, the doctors theory was that a mosquito bite carrying the West Nile Virus was what 'triggered' the auto-immune reaction, causing the MS which I still have today."
"MS was something I had seen my father, Alan Osmond, live with for years," David says. "But mine struck hard and soon I was in a wheelchair, thinking I might never walk--or sing--again." The effects of the disease made it nearly impossible for Osmond to have the breath control needed to sing even a single song, let alone do an entire concert. Natural therapies, a good wife, and lots of prayers have brought David back onto the stage and given him a second chance. "I have been so richly blessed," Osmond says. "I truly believe in miracles, because I am living one."
Although he still lives with pain every moment of the day, David knows that performing is what he was meant to do in life. "If my music brings joy to another, then I have truly fulfilled my calling," he says.
Osmond found himself back in the spotlight when he was featured as a contestant on American Idol. Although he didn't make the Top 12--"Laryngitis!" he says, laughing at the memory--it did show the world that he definitely has a voice and looked to be back in top form. "A.I. opened a few more doors for me, and I knew I had to follow my dream of once again being a recording artist." (Osmond and his brothers had several hit singles in Europe and the U.S. in the 1990s.)
Last year David released a solo album, "Reflected," that he says gave him a chance to showcase his writing as well as his singing ability. "It proved that I was ready to take a giant leap of faith to forward my career, and it gave me a venue to prove I had broader range than just being a lead singer in a boy band."
That leap of faith is what brought him to the attention of Shadow Mountain executives. "I had already had the experience of working many solo tracks with other LDS artists, and the time in the studio for the solo CD taught me a lot about the craft. I was excited for the opportunity to share my experiences and the lessons I've learned with this new audience, as well as to offer praise to the One who had made this all possible."
Osmond's path has led him to "Road Less Traveled," a double CD released this week by Shadow Mountain. "This is my opportunity to bring messages of hope and praise to a wider audience," Osmond says. "But this is not your typical 'Sounds of Sunday.'" Osmond wrote almost all the tunes, along with his partner Aaron Edson. "Don't forget that song called 'Let Me In,' written by three other guys named Osmond," he adds laughingly. Then he becomes serious as he says, "It was great being able to do a remix with my dad, and I even let him sing along on the lead part. He sounded great."
The title song, inspired in part by his grandpa Pinegar who recently passed away, like the other songs chosen for this album, were all meaningful to David in some way. "My grandpa was an honest man, filled with integrity and dedicated to hard work. I wanted to honor those traits because he was such an inspiration to me." Just more proof why David has chosen to follow the road less traveled.
A bonus CD features five favorite hymns, chosen Osmond says, "Because they were personal favorites that resonated with me. I felt such emotion while singing them, and I wished I'd had written theses songs. I wanted this part of the project to stand as almost a prayer."
Road Less Traveled is available at Deseret Book both in-store and online, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and DavidOsmond.com.
Source: Spanish Fork Press
Osmond Album
The highly anticipated, debut inspirational album from David Osmond was released through Shadow Mountain Records on Aug. 10.
Son of Alan Osmond, David has been performing his entire life, beginning as a young boy when he was lead singer for popular octet Osmond Second Generation and continuing through young adulthood, lending his voice to numerous recording projects and on-stage appearances. He has been a favorite of local and national media, including a successful run on American Idol in 2009.
David's road has not always been easy. He was forced to put his music career on hold due to a difficult battle with Multiple Sclerosis. David's new album, "Road Less Traveled," speaks of his personal journey of faith in overcoming adversity.
"I've had the privilege of being a guest artist on inspirational albums in the past," said Osmond. "Now I'm extremely excited to release my own inspirational album that comes from my heart with messages I feel are pertinent in today's day and age--messages of hope, gratitude and faith that miracles happen every day."
For more information visit DavidOsmond.com or ShadowMountainRecords.com.
Source: Daily Herald
Son of Alan Osmond, David has been performing his entire life, beginning as a young boy when he was lead singer for popular octet Osmond Second Generation and continuing through young adulthood, lending his voice to numerous recording projects and on-stage appearances. He has been a favorite of local and national media, including a successful run on American Idol in 2009.
David's road has not always been easy. He was forced to put his music career on hold due to a difficult battle with Multiple Sclerosis. David's new album, "Road Less Traveled," speaks of his personal journey of faith in overcoming adversity.
"I've had the privilege of being a guest artist on inspirational albums in the past," said Osmond. "Now I'm extremely excited to release my own inspirational album that comes from my heart with messages I feel are pertinent in today's day and age--messages of hope, gratitude and faith that miracles happen every day."
For more information visit DavidOsmond.com or ShadowMountainRecords.com.
Source: Daily Herald
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Don Osmond: Limbo in a singles' world
"I don't belong here anymore."
This thought runs through my mind on a Sunday occasion.
Now engaged and still attending the local singles' congregation, I'm feeling a self-imposed ostracism.
Don't get me wrong … I'm not saying that I'm neglected by my fellow ward members. No! Rather, it seems as though this engagement time has me experiencing limbo in a singles' world.
Obviously, singles' wards cater to the needs of maidens and bachelors — as they should. Events occur nightly throughout the week focused to help singles mix, mingle and find an eternal companion: family home evenings, institute dances, mixers, ward prayer. You name the day, there's an event happening that night.
So … what if you've already found your "one and only"?
Visit MORMONTIMES for the rest of the column
This thought runs through my mind on a Sunday occasion.
Now engaged and still attending the local singles' congregation, I'm feeling a self-imposed ostracism.
Don't get me wrong … I'm not saying that I'm neglected by my fellow ward members. No! Rather, it seems as though this engagement time has me experiencing limbo in a singles' world.
Obviously, singles' wards cater to the needs of maidens and bachelors — as they should. Events occur nightly throughout the week focused to help singles mix, mingle and find an eternal companion: family home evenings, institute dances, mixers, ward prayer. You name the day, there's an event happening that night.
So … what if you've already found your "one and only"?
Visit MORMONTIMES for the rest of the column
Friday, August 13, 2010
Jay Osmond on life in ‘Osland’
As drummer for The Osmonds, Jay Osmond was the beat behind some of the most famous songs of the 1970s. Yet he waits 125 pages to give readers their first insight into his musicianship in his new autobiography, Stages.
Along with brother Wayne, he was skeptical about the family’s decision to build a recording studio in the middle of Utah County. Yet in Stages: An Autobiography, Jay Osmond never backbites and never turns sour on the decision that led to the family’s financial unraveling.
He witnessed the charms and eccentricities of legions of stars, including Andy Gibb, Led Zeppelin and Cher. Yet Osmond never implies anything unsavory about one of them, or any other name gracing his autobiography.
If it’s piping hot dish about the inside travails of the Osmond family and the turbulent years of their 1970s ascension and 1980s decline you’re after, look elsewhere. In Stages, Osmond instead serves up heaping portions of golden reminiscence, sides of personal advice, and then finishes with a mirrorlike gallery of comments by those who know him.
You may not know, for example, that the Osmond family home in Ogden was situated next to a juvenile institution where Jay saw young boys run across the family lawn during escapes. You may not know that Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen counted himself an Osmond fan, or that Jay Osmond for years worked in the admissions office at Brigham Young University, fielding calls from mothers tearful over their children’s rejection letters.
The book’s overall tone is often so sincere it sometimes glosses over unintentional humor. “One of the things my family really disagreed with was the way the security at a particular hotel in England would use water hoses on the girls for crowd control,” Osmond writes in a passage about “Osmondmania.”
At the heart of Osmond’s book, though, is the perennial celebrity’s dilemma: parsing a personal life and identify apart from public persona. For Jay, sibling number six, and just older than the more famous Marie-and-Donny duo, that challenge became less pressing as the family’s popularity waned during the 1980s and on.
It pressed nonetheless, as Osmond’s book makes clear. It wasn’t until 1979, Osmond writes, when he was a student at Utah State University that he came into his own.
Source with photos: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/50094895-81/osmond-family-jay-stages.html.csp
'The Road Less Traveled,' new music from David Osmond
13 August 2010 6:30am
While he's sung everything from boy band to musical theater and pop since he first became the lead singer of The Osmond Boys at age 4, this is David Osmond's first inspirational album release. And what's more, it's full of contemporary Christian songs he's co-written from his own life experience.
In this interview, you'll hear the background of the songs, some of the hymns from the five-song bonus CD included in the new release, and some lessons learned from a difficult period after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis that seemed like it would sideline his musical plans.
Plus, there's a cameo vocal appearance on one of the tracks by David's father, Alan, on a remake of a favorite Osmond song David grew up hearing.
PODCAST LINK: http://www.mormontimes.com/article/16432/Steven-Kapp-Perry-The-Road-Less-Traveled-new-music-from-David-Osmond
Source: Mormon Times
While he's sung everything from boy band to musical theater and pop since he first became the lead singer of The Osmond Boys at age 4, this is David Osmond's first inspirational album release. And what's more, it's full of contemporary Christian songs he's co-written from his own life experience.In this interview, you'll hear the background of the songs, some of the hymns from the five-song bonus CD included in the new release, and some lessons learned from a difficult period after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis that seemed like it would sideline his musical plans.
Plus, there's a cameo vocal appearance on one of the tracks by David's father, Alan, on a remake of a favorite Osmond song David grew up hearing.
PODCAST LINK: http://www.mormontimes.com/article/16432/Steven-Kapp-Perry-The-Road-Less-Traveled-new-music-from-David-Osmond
Source: Mormon Times
Jay Osmond book 'Stages' talks about his life
OREM, Utah — Jay Wesley Osmond never really had a choice.The youngest original member of the Osmond Brothers" and sixth in the family of nine, he was put on stage in diapers at the age of 2 and a half and literally grew up on a series of stages as part of the famous singing family.
"I hated when my world of creativity was interrupted by singing practice, and we practiced every day," he said. "I sometimes felt like I was in the prison 'Sing Sing!'"
It wasn't until much later in his life that he got the chance to decide if that's what he wanted to do. (He did.)
That's part of the reason he's written a new book "Stages" that details the Osmond story from his perspective, 50 years, 30 gold albums and 77 million records later.
"I wanted people to see how I saw it. I felt an urge to put these stories together, like scenes in a play. I wanted to take people along. My real purpose is to contribute, to lift, to offer hope, to offer another side of the Osmonds," Osmond confided in an interview with Mormon Times.
Osmond said there were 10 things an Osmond had to be every day of his or her life, including being a good example of Mormonism and pulling together as a family.
"Show business will beat you up if you're not grounded," he said. "We were grounded because of the gospel, and we stuck together as a family. That's the most important thing;we did it as a family. We're connected and we know that."
Osmond sang in the group from toddler age on. He did choreography, and he produced The Osmond Family Hour, the 1980s variety show including the "Little Bit Country/Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll" segments, and most recently, the Osmond 50th Anniversary Special.
He was voted one of the top 10 drummers in America by Flip Magazine and released a solo recording "It's About Time" of his favorite drum songs in 1994 and the sequel "It's About Time Again" in 2008.
He shared the lead on "Crazy Horses" with his brother Merrill, a rock song that became the Osmond's bestselling single overseas.
"We're marketed very differently in England," Osmond said. "They think we're a rock group."
He's shared the rocket ride to fame and fortune with his siblings and his remarkable parents, a ride that began in 1957 after Walt Disney heard them sing, and Andy Williams' father Jay "discovered" them.
In his book, he tells the tale of making the long ride to California after appearing on KSL's Eugene Gelesnik Show to meet with Lawrence Welk only to be put off and kept waiting for hours. Unwilling to waste the trip, George Osmond herded his family over to Disneyland and met The Dapper Dans, who introduced the boys to their boss. After another trip from Utah, they performed for Disney, and their careers were launched. ("I was so excited that we were singing for the guy who invented Mickey Mouse," Osmond writes.)
He talks about the whirlwind years of the '70s, (The One-Tale Osmonds had to learn to ice skate, tumble, juggle, play a variety of instruments and dance for the Williams' show) the pressures and hardships of the '80s, a talented, creative family living under a microscope but tethered by love of family and God.
"The real basic anchor was the gospel and how we were trained," he said. "Family Night was the forum. Our first stage was our living room. We played. We talked. We bonded."
He describes meeting the Queen of England and learning karate from Chuck Norris. He relates some of the challenges that came with working with the mercurial and often bizarre Jerry Lewis.
He harks back to the meeting with then-First Counselor to the LDS Church President, Harold B. Lee, who assigned the family to remember they were representing their faith, essentially calling the family on a mission.
"We're still on that mission. We're not finished yet," Osmond said. "None of us feel it's time yet to be released."
Source: http://www.mormontimes.com/article/16425/Jay-Osmond-book-Stages-talks-about-his-life
The book is available at JayOsmond.com.
David Osmond, from wheelchair to center stage
Everyone has the chance at least once in life to go down the road less traveled. It may be a path we choose or a path that chooses us.
David Osmond, the fourth son of Alan Osmond, has been down the road less traveled.
At times that road has been exhilarating — appearing on Good Morning America, performing on American Idol and recording two albums in one year. Other times, that road has brought bumps and unexpected curves — battling multiple sclerosis and being confined to a wheelchair.
For a time, Osmond, who's been performing since age 4, had to put music on hold. When he was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, moving his hands was so difficult that he wasn't able to play the guitar. A lot of people, even some of his closest friends, don't realize Osmond was in a wheelchair for a while and could hardly move.
"They didn't ever see me at my worst because at that time I didn't have any answers," said Osmond. "We didn't know what was going on, so I didn't broadcast it. I wouldn't have known what to tell (everyone), and I guess I didn't want them to worry. I have to say though that I still have MS, and I live with the effects of it every day. But it is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me because it brings perspective and an appreciation for the smaller things I might otherwise overlook."
Despite extreme challenges, Osmond said MS has changed his life for the better.
"Music was taken away from me for quite a while," he said. "I was in a wheelchair and couldn't walk, my hands wouldn't move well and my eyesight was diminished. I even struggled with breathing. Singing and performing was done. The mere fact that I am on my feet able to get around and appear completely 'normal' again is nothing short of a miracle. Miracles happen every single day. I know that because I'm living one every single day."
With recent health improvements, he's been able to get back into music and has a fresh perspective on life. Even though he had to put music on hold for a time, his life experiences have given him plenty to write about, and now he's sharing what he learned through his music.
Earlier this year he released his debut solo album, "Reflected." Osmond's new inspirational album, "Road Less Traveled," just released Aug. 10. Many of the songs on these albums talk about embracing life every day and not taking a second for granted.
"I have so much on my heart to say and sing about, and felt it was the right time to make it happen," Osmond said.
The title track to his new album says, "I know it seems hard, but it's worth it to me, I'm on the road less traveled."
With the smooth and bumpy parts of the road, Osmond has stuck to one thing — music. He is driven to keep going because he knows the music inside him must be shared with the world.
With faith, perseverance and some heaven-sent miracles, Osmond has taken the road less traveled, and it's been worth every moment.
David Osmond (along with Alex Boyé) will be performing songs from his new album for the first time at a free outdoor concert Aug. 13 at 7 pm, by the new Deseret Book at the University Mall in Orem, Utah. For more information, visit davidosmond.com.
Source: http://www.mormontimes.com/article/16428/Inside-Mormon-Music-David-Osmond-from-wheelchair-to-center-stage
David Osmond, the fourth son of Alan Osmond, has been down the road less traveled.
At times that road has been exhilarating — appearing on Good Morning America, performing on American Idol and recording two albums in one year. Other times, that road has brought bumps and unexpected curves — battling multiple sclerosis and being confined to a wheelchair.
For a time, Osmond, who's been performing since age 4, had to put music on hold. When he was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, moving his hands was so difficult that he wasn't able to play the guitar. A lot of people, even some of his closest friends, don't realize Osmond was in a wheelchair for a while and could hardly move.
"They didn't ever see me at my worst because at that time I didn't have any answers," said Osmond. "We didn't know what was going on, so I didn't broadcast it. I wouldn't have known what to tell (everyone), and I guess I didn't want them to worry. I have to say though that I still have MS, and I live with the effects of it every day. But it is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me because it brings perspective and an appreciation for the smaller things I might otherwise overlook."
Despite extreme challenges, Osmond said MS has changed his life for the better.
"Music was taken away from me for quite a while," he said. "I was in a wheelchair and couldn't walk, my hands wouldn't move well and my eyesight was diminished. I even struggled with breathing. Singing and performing was done. The mere fact that I am on my feet able to get around and appear completely 'normal' again is nothing short of a miracle. Miracles happen every single day. I know that because I'm living one every single day."
With recent health improvements, he's been able to get back into music and has a fresh perspective on life. Even though he had to put music on hold for a time, his life experiences have given him plenty to write about, and now he's sharing what he learned through his music.
Earlier this year he released his debut solo album, "Reflected." Osmond's new inspirational album, "Road Less Traveled," just released Aug. 10. Many of the songs on these albums talk about embracing life every day and not taking a second for granted.
"I have so much on my heart to say and sing about, and felt it was the right time to make it happen," Osmond said.
The title track to his new album says, "I know it seems hard, but it's worth it to me, I'm on the road less traveled."
With the smooth and bumpy parts of the road, Osmond has stuck to one thing — music. He is driven to keep going because he knows the music inside him must be shared with the world.
With faith, perseverance and some heaven-sent miracles, Osmond has taken the road less traveled, and it's been worth every moment.
David Osmond (along with Alex Boyé) will be performing songs from his new album for the first time at a free outdoor concert Aug. 13 at 7 pm, by the new Deseret Book at the University Mall in Orem, Utah. For more information, visit davidosmond.com.
Source: http://www.mormontimes.com/article/16428/Inside-Mormon-Music-David-Osmond-from-wheelchair-to-center-stage
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