What have I been up to?

 
Have you been following Merrill's new blog? 

I know it’s been awhile since I updated my blog but in the next few weeks I’ll try to catch up on some great things that have happened in the last few months. I’ll talk about my new Love Song CD, some of the places I’m going both on tour and off. 

See More: Merrill Osmond Live Journal  

Merrill Osmond Shares Tale of Chronic Back Pain

Merrill Osmond Shares Tale of Chronic Back Pain: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Osmonds dedicate mother's log cabin birthplace

By Michael De Groote
Mormon Times
Tuesday, May. 04, 2010

SAMARIA, Idaho -- About six miles southwest of Malad, Idaho a girl was born in a log cabin on May 4, 1925. Eighty-five years later, seven of Olive Davis Osmond's nine children walked into the restored cabin.

"This is so surreal," Donny Osmond said. "You can feel her presence here"

The Osmonds were in town for the dedication of the "Olive May Davis Osmond Cabin and Museum." The cabin sits on property donated by Samaria resident Luke Waldron, a local high school teacher and history buff. It is only about 200 feet away from its original location.

Waldron carefully took the decaying cabin apart about 20 years ago -- numbering every log. The buyer of the logs never reassembled it and eventually it came back into Waldron's possession. Two years ago, he began restoring the cabin -- hoping to have it done in time for a local visit and musical performance by The Osmonds -- Second Generation.

Photos, a link to article about the fireside, and more of this article at MORMONTIMES.

2G with Merrill in Niagra

I hope Alex doesn't mind, but I took these from his Facebook album to share with all of you who might not be his friend on Facebook. These were from this past weekend at Niagra Falls in Canada.

Osmond sighting: Merrill keeps music and faith at forefront

Merrill Osmond, the lead voice of the famous Osmond family, has spent more than 50 of his 56 years on stage.
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He's still going strong. He will perform Friday and Saturday at the Comedy Quarter in Neenah. (Yes, it's a comedy club but, no, it's not a comedy show; it's a concert).

In 2007 Osmond and his eight siblings took a 50th anniversary performance tour around the world.

That tour marked the end of one era and the beginning of another for Osmond. He's concentrating on touring solo this year, although he also appears in some shows with one or more of his brothers. Collectively the Osmonds have produced 47 gold and platinum records with record sales at 100 million.

"In Europe especially it's the young people who have grabbed on to the music," said Osmond, who lives in Ephraim, Utah. "It's a retro situation going on and we're just humbled and excited about it."

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Merill Osmond at The Comedy Quarter

Two-time Grammy Award nominee Merrill Osmond will be making a stop in the Fox Cities this month as part of his 2009 tour.

Merrill Osmond, the middle brother and unique lead voice of the famous Osmond family, will have five shows July 22-25 at The Comedy Quarter in the Town of Menasha.

Merrill has already spent more than 50 years in show business, beginning in 1958 with his brothers Alan, Wayne and Jay singing barbershop music in their hometown of Ogden, Utah. The brothers, and later their younger siblings Donny, Marie and Jimmy, enjoyed success as an entertainment group on The Andy Williams Show during the 1960s.

In the early 1970s, the Osmonds shifted their musical styles toward pop music and rock and roll. In 1971, the siblings topped the Billboard pop chart with their hit “One Bad Apple.” The family, with Merrill playing bass guitar and singing lead vocals, enjoyed a great deal of success throughout the 1970s.

In total, Merrill and his brothers wrote music and lyrics for five number one hit records. Merrill also shares production credit for many of the Osmond’s 27 gold records. The group produced 47 gold and platinum records, and holds the record for earning 11 gold and platinum albums in one year. All told, the group sold more than 100 million copies of their albums worldwide.

In 1975, The Osmond Brothers won the “People’s Choice Award” as America’s favorite musical group. In 2003 the Osmond Family was honored for its achievements with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Many of the Osmond siblings enjoyed successful solo careers, most notably were Donny and Marie, whose show was produced by Merrill from 1976 to 1979.

In 1982 the United States Jaycees named Merrill one of the 10 most outstanding men of America. The Osmonds are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and have long been active in promoting their church’s mission through their music and philanthropy.

Merrill and his wife Mary have a deaf son, Justin who grew up without being able to hear his father’s music. Along with help from his family, Merrill’s son started the Osmond Hearing Centers to help people with hearing disabilities.

Merrill also played a role in two presidential inaugurations. He produced “The Making of an Inauguration” for President Ronald Reagan and “The Quincentennial Inaugural Ball” for President George Bush’s Inauguration in 1989.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Merrill joined the Quick Response Relief Team of the Morrell Foundation in the affected areas of the southern United States to provide emergency relief, shelter and support.

His latest venture – The Shiloh Experience: A journey for a peaceful heart – is an opportunity to refresh, renew and restore body mind and spirit, Merrill’s website reads. The program works by “offering time to relax, refocus and rebalance through the unique combination of music art and wellbeing.” The Shiloh Experience is set to begin in late 2009.

In 2007, Merrill, along with more than 100 of his relatives, appeared on Oprah to celebrate their father, who had recently passed away. In 2008, the Osmond siblings celebrated their 50th year of show business by completing a world tour.

Merrill Osmond will perform July 22-25 at the Comedy Quarter. Tickets are on sale now. Doors open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. There will be two shows on Friday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. On Saturday night, doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

For ticket information, call 920-722-5653 or visit comedyquarter.com.

SOURCE

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

Merrill to Team with Calon TV for Shiloh

Merrill Osmond is writing Shiloh, the tale of a young girl rendered mute after seeing her father die while saving her life. She finds solace in caring for horses and develops a special bond with the legendary Shiloh, whom she battles to save from the clutches of cruel equine traders.

Osmond met with the Welsh indie last year when he was touring with his band and is now working on the film's soundtrack with Mal Pope, who previously scored children's shows such as Fireman Sam and Superted, which were produced by staff who have gone on to work at Calon TV.

Calon TV managing director Robin Lyons and commercial director Huw Walters will be seeking backing for the movie when they attend next month's annual KidScreen Summit in New York.

The project is envisaged as a cinema release with a pre-buy commitment from a broadcaster for subsequent TV rights.

Osmond said it was inspired by witnessing a friend's son give up his drug addiction after horse whispering sessions.

"There is something very magical in witnessing a horse that can search out and unite with someone who is hurting," he said.

"The idea for Shiloh came to me in a dream years ago, it really affected me and I've held it close to my heart ever since. Shiloh has an almost Biblical meaning and the whole concept of Shiloh and the assistance he could bring. So I'm happy it's become real."

Source: Broadcast Now

Merrill in Las Vegas Magazine

Check out the cover photo for Merrill's upcoming performance in Las Vegas with The Osmond Brothers at The Orleans in Vegas Inside Tips. The article can also be read online.

The Insider: Osmonds Final Concert

Tonight, Donny Osmond is on "The Insider" stage with our own Lara Spencer as we go exclusively behind the scenes with Marie and the rest of the Osmond clan for their final public performance all together -- with a rare look backstage at what goes on before the show!

"The Insider" was the only TV show to get unprecedented access backstage at the Mormon Conference Center in Salt Lake City for the Osmond's last concert as a family -- an end to an amazing legacy.

"How do you put into words 50 years of experience? You can't do it," says Donny.

After five decades of performances, the Osmonds decided that they would not perform again as a complete group. With tears flowing, they performed their final concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir -- the first time that the choir has allowed cameras backstage.

"If you look right behind me, you'll see eight of the greatest men that I know," said an emotional Marie. "The only other great one has gone on with my mother, and I'm so proud of all of them. I'm so honored to be their sister."

To see this video, visit THE INSIDER. (It does contain some different clips that the one on Entertainment Tonight)

E.T. --- Osmonds wtith Tabernacle Choir

Tonight, Donny Osmond is on the ET stage as we go exclusively behind the scenes with Marie and the rest of the Osmond clan for their final public performance all together -- with a rare look backstage at what goes on before the show!

ET was the only show to get unprecedented access backstage at the Mormon Conference Center in Salt Lake City for the Osmond's last concert as a family -- an end to an amazing legacy.

"How do you put into words 50 years of experience? You can't do it," says Donny.

After five decades of performances, the Osmonds decided that they would not perform again as a complete group. With tears flowing, they performed their final concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir -- the first time that the choir has allowed cameras backstage.

"If you look right behind me, you'll see eight of the greatest men that I know," said an emotional Marie. "The only other great one has gone on with my mother, and I'm so proud of all of them. I'm so honored to be their sister."

Watch ET for more with the Osmonds!

Merrill Signs Speaker's Bureau Contract with Sublime Expressions

Riverton, UT (PRnine - September 3, 2008) - Sublime Expressions signs legendary singer, songwriter, philanthropist, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Merrill Osmond to its speaker’s bureau. (http://www.prnine.com/001050)

Sublime Expressions, a Riverton, Utah company is thrilled to partner with this world renown celebrity. The owners of Sublime Expressions, Doug and Tawna Johnston, are delighted to have such a talent onboard. “The addition of Osmond will provide a giant boost to our young organization”. “We are pleased that a star the caliber of Osmond would have the confidence in our young company to allow us to partner with him to bring his wide range of experiences and passion for God and Country to businesses, civic groups and other organizations that would benefit from Osmond’s vast life experiences and charisma. Osmond will join our growing list of other talented motivational and keynote speakers.”

To read about Merrill on their website, visit: http://sublimeexpressions.com/osmond.htm

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Brandon (Donny's son) who is getting married today, and Sheila (Merrill's daughter) who is getting married on Saturday.

To get a closer look at Brandon, check out this video from The Insider:

Merrill and Heather: Starstruck

HDnet list the following for their upcoming schedule:


Sun., Jul 27 - 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT

STARSTRUCK
Starstruck showcases people struck by stardom in unique ways. Hosted by Merrill Osmond and his daughter Heather Osmond Hallows, special quests include Glen Campbell and his daughter Debbie, the world famous Platters, Legends Elvis impersonator Tony Roi, and Rudy Ruettiger.

Merrill featured in Forged in the Refiner's Fire

Forged in the Refiner's Fire by Candace Salima and Elizabeth Cheever

from Heather B. Moore
for LDS Readers

Recently I read Forged in the Refiner’s Fire—a compilation by Candace Salima and Elizabeth Cheever. I immediately found myself caught up in the stories of the trials and tribulations that others have gone through (some are well-known LDS names such as entertainer Merrill Osmond, author Tristi Pinkston, etc.). These are stories from the heart—stories that have changed lives. From an unwanted painful divorce, to a debilitating injury, to a childless couple—many walks of life are examined. Do these stories have good endings? Not necessarily—because they are true stories—about the ebb and flow of living a good life in spite of difficult challenges. About finding and maintaining faith against the odds.

An informational video can be found here on You Tube. In it, Candace Salima discusses the purpose and impact of the book.

Copies of Forged in the Refiner’s Fire are available on Candace's Website or on

Osmonds in the Philippines

The Osmond Brothers and Donny and Marie appeared on Eat Bulaga Friday the 13th June 13, 2008. To see their appearance, check out these videos on YouTube.



If you'd like to see photos from this video, visit: http://pinoybiscuits.blogspot.com/2008/06/osmond-brothers-with-donnie-and-marie.html

Osmond's Final England Performance

I ran across the blog with some great photos of the final performance in England and wanted to make sure all of our readers had a chance to view the photos and read the comments.

Visit: http://www.whatsgottastay.com/a-final-farewell/

May 27, 2008

Birmingham has not seen its like for nearly 30 years. But yesterday Osmond-mania returned to the city with thousands of young-at-heart women re-living their past. Among them was self-confessed Osmonds nut Lindsey Campton

THROUGH the dry ice that surrounded the stage, the now very familiar first bars of Crazy Horses rang out, and suddenly there they were – suited, booted and ready to rock – and the fans went wild! With a combined age of 365 years, with more than 50 years in show business, the greatest musical family of all time hit the stage running at the NIA.

The six brothers, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Jimmy, and their sister Marie, had arrived and in a few seconds had taken us all back to the heady days of the '70's - rock and roll was back.

The Osmonds took the stage by storm. Long gone is the boy band. This was a true rock and roll band, with Merrill once more taking the lead and looking every inch the true sexy rock star he is.

Following on with Back on the Road Again the huge screens behind the stage took us back to 1975 when they first appeared at Earls Court, showing long forgotten footage of those concerts and screaming fans - some things never change.

All the classics were there, Let Me In, The Proud One and when they asked "What are you doing tonight?" from Down by the Lazy River, the fans answered back in one voice, and the Osmonds loved it!

Sister Marie, who has very rarely appeared with her brothers, took to the stage with her very own style of country music.

After being joined back on stage by all her brothers, the Osmonds joined together to sing their theme song, He ain't Heavy He's my Brother, which they dedicated to their two older brothers, Virl and Tom, who were both born with hearing difficulties - there was not a dry eye in the house.

The second half began with We're having a Party, with fireworks and streamers being blasted over the crowds. Later, Donny couldn't resist singing Puppy Love and he certainly got the reaction he was looking for - the fans loved it.

They finished the show with the classic Love me for A Reason and the crowd lifted the roof once more – the standing ovation that lasted for what seemed like hours said it all.

Earlier in the day we had joined the throngs of fans outside the HMV store where Jimmy and Jay were signing copies of their 50th Anniversary special DVD. Apparently HMV had expected around 300 fans, they were more than a little surprised when nearly 1,000 turned up. I spoke with fans that had travelled from Tenerife, France and even New Zealand to see the boys on this Tour.

(Original article can be found at: http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2008/05/27/the-osmonds-return-to-brum-97319-20978651/

Osmonds E.T. Coverage of Tour

DONNY and MARIE OSMOND are touring the U.K. with brothers ALAN, WAYNE, MERRILL, JAY and JIMMY, and ET is backstage with the entertaining clan!

Donny surprises Marie with the ET cameras just minutes before they're set to go onstage -- and then barges in on his brothers to see if they are ready! So, what went wrong during their "A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll" duet? And did everyone hit their marks during the last performance?

The new tour provides the chance for fans in the U.K. to see the Osmond family together on stage for the first time in 27 years. They're performing such hits as "One Bad Apple," "Down by the Lazy River" and, of course, Donny's signature "Puppy Love."

The Osmonds' first show at Wembley Stadium near London sold out in just a couple hours, more than 7 months before the concert, and they're also hitting such locales as Belfast, Sheffield, Manchester and Cardiff.

Jared's Charity Gala on May 5th Raises $65,000+

A record-breaking amount in excess of $65,000 was raised for the 6th annual fund-raiser for the Utah Valley Family Support and Treatment Center. Thanks to all of you who contributed and made this night such a success.

Jared and Nathan each sang several songs, then Merrill performed three songs. Collin Raye blew everyone away with his incredible voice. The highlight of his performance was The Beatles "Let It Be" with only a acoustic guitar. It was certainly a night to remember.

After dinner and show, there was a live auction to accompany the silent auction already in progress throughout the evening.

Cathy Harrison, who was kind enough to share photos from the event, tells us, “Jared, being the great business man that he is, doubled the items people were bidding on. For instance, they auctioned off Lasik eye surgery for $3,700. Towards the end of the bidding of that item, there were two people bidding, so Jared turned to the doctor, who was the one donating this, and asked if he would donate two surgeries. Of course the doctor, being very generous, couldn't say no, so they made $7,400 just on those two item. Jared did that with other items, too, and he auctioned off a weekend stay at the Marriott Hotel where the event was held without checking first with the Marriott. Lol! But you know Jared, he would definitely get it done.

“The evening ended with an intimate gathering of fans with Jared and Nathan. It was great because Jared poured his heart out about uplifting things. He really should be an inspirational speaker. He would put the best ones to shame! He did manage to inspire us all, as usual.

“After that, we called it a night. I believe it was around 1:00 A.M. when we all departed. What a fantastic memorable night. And the best part about it is how much we raised to benefit the children. That is what it is all about.”