Donny Osmond, seventh son and one of the nine children born to Olive and George Osmond, came into the world on a December 9th in Ogden, Utah. Along with four of his brothers – Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay – Donny performed at an early age as one of the Osmonds, singing mostly barbershop quartets and religious songs. When Andy Williams’ father brought them to his famous son’s attention, The Osmonds found themselves adding pop songs to their repertoire as Andy signed them to appear on his popular network TV program. The boys were an immediate audience pleaser; so much so, they remained on the program for five years (1962-1967). The Osmonds later toured and sold out a many venues, eventually getting their big break when Mike Curb, then President of MGM Records, signed them to a recording contract. In late 1970, The Osmonds exploded onto the charts with the #1 million seller, One Bad Apple. Donny signed to a solo record contract as well, followed shortly thereafter with his first hit, Sweet and Innocent which went Top Ten. In August of 1971, Donny went #1 as a solo artist with the million seller Go Away Little Girl. He continued recording with his brothers while pursuing his solo career. Two years later, the youngest member of the Osmond Family, “Little Jimmy,” then 9 years old, hit the charts with “Long Haired Lover From Liverpool” followed by 13-year old sister Marie’s million selling rendition of Paper Roses.
Shortly after Marie’s success, Donny teamed up with her to record even more hits, while both continued to work on their respective solo careers. Their first hit as a duo, among a string of smashes, was I’m Leaving It All Up To You which went Top Ten in 1974. Two years later, the popular twosome would headline their own television show, the appropriately titled Donny and Marie Show, a program notable for being the highest rated musical/variety show from 1976-1978.
Donny continued to tour and do television performances, but broke millions of girl’s hearts when he got married. After that, he took a few years off to start a family. In 1989, Donny enjoyed a comeback with the song, Solider of Love, when went on to sell a million copies! He continues to record and perform his recent hits for a whole new set of fans – in addition to those who have been with him from the start.
This very special collection includes the memorable hits Donny recorded as a solo artist during the early to mid-70’s when he was teen idol non pareil. His first two hits, Sweet and Innocent and Go Away Little Girl, are included here along with his other hits – The Twelfth of Never, Puppy Love, Hey Girl, Too Young, Lonely Boy, and more! Donny’s fans of all ages will love this definitive collection of the first stage of his solo career.
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