Donny, Jay, Merrill, Wayne, Alan...you have brought so much happiness to so many people. I am so sorry that you all had to go through so may difficulties. I love you guys and I think you are the most beautiful and wondefull people in the world. Thank you for all you have done and I hope you all have found happiness.
Merrill, you are a beautiful person, inside and outside. You know .... none of us see ourselves the way others see us. I want to add that the kindness that you showed my friends and me (during the early and middle 1980's .... uh, we were too young in the 70's to be fans of anyone - Ha!)) was very much appreciated, both then and still now. In fact, my fondest childhood memories were those annual trips to your California concerts. The shows were awesome, but having you take the time to stop and talk with us before and after the shows was even more special. It was no secret that I had a serious crush on you; rather than just brushing me off (as I imagine some celebs would do) you had a way of making me feel special by making eye contact during those shows, by always being kind and friendly and by treating me like a friend. Oh, and did I forget to mention that you still have one of the best voices in the biz !!!
so glad Merrill had that beautiful enlightening moment to get him through, don't even want to think about not having him in this world, and so many of us loved him in the group, had no idea how these men were feeling when they were young, just remember their beautiful smiles and great performances, but they were, of course, human and had struggles, all of them. God Bless and thank-you Osmond family, for all of the sacrifice, and make sure to live for yourselves now, it's long overdue!
Wow ! the best video I've seen in a long time, I learned alot. I'm awed in their openness. They go through the same problems everyone goes through. I love them. wonderful people!!
What an honest documentary. I am a huge Jacksons fan and of course discovered the Osmonds...my fav is Crazy Horse. I think this is a great documentary on their struggles, something you don't hear about.
i have watched these vids a number of times and have so much respect for these guys doing what they have done for so many years, the being an osmond set of vids gives a very real touch to their lives that they have shared with us fans...and i so respect them for that. I love my family those still living and those departed, and i know we had our issues just as they do or did and i see that...but regardless their love for each other is remarkable in todays world and to be applauded
Watching this special it leaves me truly amazed at the parallels between the Osmonds and the Jacksons. Both family groups came up at the same time and suffered various fates. Listening to Merrill talk about the way he views his looks remind me of what Michael Jackson said about himself. Merrill with being called fat or chubby, Michael about his nose Both not understanding what people see in themselves. Both of these kids gave so much of themselves and burnt themselves out early on. I think that is part of the reason why they were still so friendly till this day because of the amazing similarities.
The sad fact is that with Michael Jackson, it was his father and brothers who made fun of his looks. Michael stated in interviews that his family used to call him "big nose." Ironically, they all had similar noses, but didn't seem to notice that. It's clear that they were jealous since he received the most attention. Their hurtful remarks are what eventually caused Michael to develop Dysmorphophobia and have so much plastic surgery. I'm pretty sure that he left nothing to any of them in his Will. I hope he didn't.
Yeah, it's one thing to get that crap from people on the outside (which Michael Jackson did), but you shouldn't expect it from your own family too. I saw Brooke Shields in an interview on You Tube recently. She was being interviewed on a radio station and she said that Joe Jackson was the devil. She said he's not even a human being. Her exact words. She said she never liked him and he never liked her. I mean Joe Jackson's son died and he certainly did not act like a grieving father during that time. As for George Osmond, he wasn't a bad father, but he was tough. I remember that story Donny Osmond told about when he wrote his mother a letter as a young boy and in the letter he said he wanted to come home, didn't want to do the show business thing anymore. He missed his friends and wanted to play in his sandbox and be a normal kid. He said his father was being mean in the letter and he wanted to come home. All the brothers had to read their letter out loud and Donny pretended he wrote something different because he didn't want his father to see what he truly wrote. His brother told on him and his father ended up spanking him. Sorry but . . . I think that's awful. Yeah, the kid lied, but how about what he wrote in letter? Didn't the father care about what he wrote? Did he ever say, "you don't have to do this anymore if you don't want to . . . if you want to go home and be with Mom and be with your friends, you can . . . and you should never be afraid to come to me." To me that would have been a more appropriate response.
I cant believe they blamed Donny. Wayne could have still written rock songs and they could have still been a band without Donny. Their father has a lot to answer for.
If not for their faith and belief in God, the Osmond's would've easily become another celebrity statistic of drug addiction, and premature death. Those of us who admired their faith and high moral values as much as their music were the true beneficiaries of their influence and hard work. If only they all could know this and how important their own sacrifices were, and what a positive impact they made on millions of people. Thank you Alan, Merrill, Wayne, Jay, Donnie and Jimmy for your music, but more importantly for your Godly values, morals, and influence on millions of us. I am not Mormon, but I am a Christian who believes and knows we aren't here on this earth to serve ourselves. We are here to serve God and serve others. I am grateful for the "normal" things the Osmonds sacrificed to be a positive influence for so many people across the world. ❤ Their sacrifices were not in vain.
The brothers were not resentful of Donny's bubblegum popularity. What they didn't like is that they had to stop with there talent and desires to accomidate for Donny's. They would have been happy to support Donny. What they resented is their father making them stay together as a family. You have to realize, Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay were adults who didn't get to think on their own. This is what put a separation between them and the younger three. This is what made them go their separate ways, until Jimmy brought the older four back together. I always thought every Thanksgiving and every Christmas, the Osmonds were together. After watching an interview with the original four and Donny, it soon became known that for years, they didn't see Donny but once in a while. Usually when he and Marie did a Christmas special for TV. The image of being that close was kept from public view for many years. Still today, when you watch most videos about the Osmonds, it will have more focus on Donny. This video is no exception. The original four did work hard for many years, way ahead of Donny. There were times when Donny needed to realize this. Like Marie, he became spoiled and the older brothers had to bow down and give up their dreams. Donny was used to having what he wanted and even felt it was okay to take one of his brothers girlfriends. In a close family, that is tabboo.
I AM SO VERY SORRY THAT HAPPYEN TOO YOU JIMMY OSMOND NICKNAME PANPA BEAR NOT ,YOUR FAMILIES VERY SPECIAL, FAMILIES ,MERRILL OSMOND I NEVER THOUGHT THAT YOU WAS NOT FAT YOU MERRILL OSMOND, IS A BEAR XOXO ALWAYS TOO ME MERRILL OSMOND HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE TOO ME AND THAT WHY IS YOUR NICKNAME IS TOO ME ,MERRILL OSMOND HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO HUGS ALWAYS LOVE YOU MERRILL OSMOND ,YOU ARE STILL HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO ALWAYS LOVE YOU
None of them describe their father as a tyrant in their memoirs, but they do believe in retrospect that they were pushed too hard.Their father also expressed regret that he had pushed them so hard as children.But no parent is perfect, he did what he thought was necessary for success. It was the 70s, no one knew how it would affect them. They all say they were loved & valued by their parents. I don't know many kids who respect their father as much as these do.He was strict but look what they did
The Jacksons were in the Same Boat with Songwriting. After The Corporation who gave them Four Number One Hits in a Row broke up, they couldn't write and produce their own music instead having outside help including Clifton Davis (Never Can Say Goodbye). Their Father Joe who made his share of mistakes told his Children if they were to survive in this Industry they had to leave Motown for another Label that would give term what they needed. They left for Epic, Jermaine stayed and it resulted in a 20 Million Lawsuit that took Six Years to settle. Jermaine whined about how his Brothers "Left" him but Marlon reminded him he chose to stay. It ended up becoming a very smart move because them, Gladys Knight & The Pips and The Isley Brothers careers continued to soar while others went downhill.
The Braxton Sisters were very resentful and bitter because Toni became a Superstar and they didn't. They thought they would be the next Big Girl Group after En Vogue and The Pointer Sisters since they too were from Oakland, CA., Even Self Help Guru Iyanla Vanzant couldn't help them The Osmonds were so tightknit and they are all still alive God Bless.
Merrill is a lovely man I am glad he still here x their dad didn't thing to much about his children controlling and a bully they were very kind there words of their father did their mum not have a say x
I feel so sad listening to this story . While us fans were loving them we had no idea the things the guys were going through and how tough it got for them at times. How sad how the parents depended on the their kids to support them financially. And after ALL those years of performing to lose everything they' had earned AND THEN to have to go out and perform 7 days aweek AGAIN ! ! AWFUL ! REALLY AWFUL. ! !
Tyrrant is probably a stretch. Also, to factor into your equation in how tough Donny's father was as a father factor in that I rememeber hearing (whether it is true or not) that their father (George Osmond Sr.) grew up supposedly in a less than stellar childhood so he might not have the easiest time being caring to his children and i think he probably focused them in their childhood but I don't doubt his love from how his children talk about him.
Wayne Osmond, You say you want to be a surgeon. How long are your fingers? Yes, I know that sounds weird but think about it. Every surgeon I've ever known has long and slim fingers.
Stephanie lish, that's the way it was. Sadly enough alot of Families had Problems. Look at The Beach Boys. Their Father Murry was a SOB who was very jealous of Brian's Success. Dennis was a major Addict, as was Carl, even Brian's Daughter Carnie is a Recovering Addict.
George meant well but the impression he gave me was he was too controlling even when his Kids were Grown Up. He should have been proud that Wayne had a Plan B. I wonder if he felt bad knowing the Psychological Impact he put on His Kids.
Do they really believe alcohol is that bad for you? I mean I get there is no moderate amount of smoking that is good but is alcohol really that bad for you that even a modest amount is unhealthy?
I guess I don't see alcohol that way but I don't really drink that much anyways!! I do eat WAY too much fast food! Do they always have to follow a super healthy diet because that is kind of 2x as worse as alcohol even more so.
maybe there is some truth to it. I love how donny describes alcohol as a "duh" no response. Don't really think about alcohol like fast food as a "duh" bad.
leahblashful how could his parents let him live alone at age 15 in an apartment? He created his own success though ! Jimmy is a brilliant business man! He also is very balanced and has a beautiful family! His investments in art, restaurants, real estate, and theaters, made him quite wealthy! Poor Jimmy? Hardly!
Jimmy was more realistic about His Familys Fame. He knew it wasn't going to last and a lot of Boybands found that out as well some found it out harder than others more than others
so not true so there is much more in terms of restriction that involves their church unfortunately let alone how these guys have had to deal....there father was a military bully, who attempted to make his brood submissive, uniform, and subjected to his his demands...whether for religious reasons or monetary gain cannot make that assumption...but regardless...a tough ask
MY SON KENNETH R BARBER, YOUNGER SON CARSON BARBER IS WANTED TO GO 🚶♂️ IN THE AIR FORT ,WHEN HE TURN 18TH BIRTHDAY, HE WILL BE FINE AND WELL I DON'T KNOW ,
IAM SO VERY MUCH GLAD THAT YOU MERRILL OSMOND HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO HUGS TO YOU MERRILL OSMOND I WOULD NOT GET TO SEE YOU MERRILL OSMOND HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO HUGS IN PERSON ,I HONESTLY LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO HUGS ALWAYS LOVE YOU MERRILL OSMOND
Donny, Jay, Merrill, Wayne, Alan...you have brought so much happiness to so many people. I am so sorry that you all had to go through so may difficulties. I love you guys and I think you are the most beautiful and wondefull people in the world. Thank you for all you have done and I hope you all have found happiness.
I've always been so grateful to the Osmond's for teaching me I had better things to do with my time and my money than drugs and alcohol.
Wayne and Jimmy are My Faves Love 💘 ❤ 💕 💗 💓 💖
So Inspirational ❤️🤟 May God Bless this whole family always ❤🙏
Merrill, you are a beautiful person, inside and outside. You know .... none of us see ourselves the way others see us. I want to add that the kindness that you showed my friends and me (during the early and middle 1980's .... uh, we were too young in the 70's to be fans of anyone - Ha!)) was very much appreciated, both then and still now. In fact, my fondest childhood memories were those annual trips to your California concerts. The shows were awesome, but having you take the time to stop and talk with us before and after the shows was even more special. It was no secret that I had a serious crush on you; rather than just brushing me off (as I imagine some celebs would do) you had a way of making me feel special by making eye contact during those shows, by always being kind and friendly and by treating me like a friend. Oh, and did I forget to mention that you still have one of the best voices in the biz !!!
so glad Merrill had that beautiful enlightening moment to get him through, don't even want to think about not having him in this world, and so many of us loved him in the group, had no idea how these men were feeling when they were young, just remember their beautiful smiles and great performances, but they were, of course, human and had struggles, all of them. God Bless and thank-you Osmond family, for all of the sacrifice, and make sure to live for yourselves now, it's long overdue!
Wow ! the best video I've seen in a long time, I learned alot. I'm awed in their openness. They go through the same problems everyone goes through. I love them. wonderful people!!
THAT IS SO AMAZING TWO, TUMBS UP
I'm glad I found this set of vids. I've been a fan for years but didn't know the behind the scenes stuff.
It breaks my heart that Wayne never got to realize his true passion. 💔
Millions of fans will agree with you...
What an honest documentary. I am a huge Jacksons fan and of course discovered the Osmonds...my fav is Crazy Horse. I think this is a great documentary on their struggles, something you don't hear about.
i have watched these vids a number of times and have so much respect for these guys doing what they have done for so many years, the being an osmond set of vids gives a very real touch to their lives that they have shared with us fans...and i so respect them for that. I love my family those still living and those departed, and i know we had our issues just as they do or did and i see that...but regardless their love for each other is remarkable in todays world and to be applauded
DANG! This is an AWESOME documentary! I've been an Osmond fan all my life, and I've never known some of these very personal details!
Watching this special it leaves me truly amazed at the parallels between the Osmonds and the Jacksons. Both family groups came up at the same time and suffered various fates. Listening to Merrill talk about the way he views his looks remind me of what Michael Jackson said about himself.
Merrill with being called fat or chubby, Michael about his nose
Both not understanding what people see in themselves. Both of these kids gave so much of themselves and burnt themselves out early on. I think that is part of the reason why they were still so friendly till this day because of the amazing similarities.
The sad fact is that with Michael Jackson, it was his father and brothers who made fun of his looks. Michael stated in interviews that his family used to call him "big nose." Ironically, they all had similar noses, but didn't seem to notice that. It's clear that they were jealous since he received the most attention. Their hurtful remarks are what eventually caused Michael to develop Dysmorphophobia and have so much plastic surgery. I'm pretty sure that he left nothing to any of them in his Will. I hope he didn't.
Yeah, it's one thing to get that crap from people on the outside (which Michael Jackson did), but you shouldn't expect it from your own family too. I saw Brooke Shields in an interview on You Tube recently. She was being interviewed on a radio station and she said that Joe Jackson was the devil. She said he's not even a human being. Her exact words. She said she never liked him and he never liked her. I mean Joe Jackson's son died and he certainly did not act like a grieving father during that time. As for George Osmond, he wasn't a bad father, but he was tough. I remember that story Donny Osmond told about when he wrote his mother a letter as a young boy and in the letter he said he wanted to come home, didn't want to do the show business thing anymore. He missed his friends and wanted to play in his sandbox and be a normal kid. He said his father was being mean in the letter and he wanted to come home. All the brothers had to read their letter out loud and Donny pretended he wrote something different because he didn't want his father to see what he truly wrote. His brother told on him and his father ended up spanking him. Sorry but . . . I think that's awful. Yeah, the kid lied, but how about what he wrote in letter? Didn't the father care about what he wrote? Did he ever say, "you don't have to do this anymore if you don't want to . . . if you want to go home and be with Mom and be with your friends, you can . . . and you should never be afraid to come to me." To me that would have been a more appropriate response.
Poor Jimmy, Poor Osmonds, I wish I could go back to their time and help them in any way I could :S
I cant believe they blamed Donny. Wayne could have still written rock songs and they could have still been a band without Donny. Their father has a lot to answer for.
The two oldest brothers speak very well. Sad that Alan and his son both have MS.
Fatima Jones, yes, I love Virl and Tom’s voices too!
If not for their faith and belief in God, the Osmond's would've easily become another celebrity statistic of drug addiction, and premature death. Those of us who admired their faith and high moral values as much as their music were the true beneficiaries of their influence and hard work. If only they all could know this and how important their own sacrifices were, and what a positive impact they made on millions of people. Thank you Alan, Merrill, Wayne, Jay, Donnie and Jimmy for your music, but more importantly for your Godly values, morals, and influence on millions of us. I am not Mormon, but I am a Christian who believes and knows we aren't here on this earth to serve ourselves. We are here to serve God and serve others. I am grateful for the "normal" things the Osmonds sacrificed to be a positive influence for so many people across the world. ❤ Their sacrifices were not in vain.
I absolutely love Merrill Osmond.
The brothers were not resentful of Donny's bubblegum popularity. What they didn't like is that they had to stop with there talent and desires to accomidate for Donny's. They would have been happy to support Donny. What they resented is their father making them stay together as a family. You have to realize, Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay were adults who didn't get to think on their own. This is what put a separation between them and the younger three. This is what made them go their separate ways, until Jimmy brought the older four back together.
I always thought every Thanksgiving and every Christmas, the Osmonds were together. After watching an interview with the original four and Donny, it soon became known that for years, they didn't see Donny but once in a while. Usually when he and Marie did a Christmas special for TV. The image of being that close was kept from public view for many years. Still today, when you watch most videos about the Osmonds, it will have more focus on Donny. This video is no exception. The original four did work hard for many years, way ahead of Donny. There were times when Donny needed to realize this. Like Marie, he became spoiled and the older brothers had to bow down and give up their dreams. Donny was used to having what he wanted and even felt it was okay to take one of his brothers girlfriends. In a close family, that is tabboo.
And bnb your voice phenomenal.
Wayne, It's nice to know that there's a working brain behind that handsome face!
VRIL OSMOND AND TOM OSMOND OH YEAH, THAT IS SO VERY AMAZING GUYS , TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF GUYS,
I AM SO VERY SORRY THAT HAPPYEN TOO YOU JIMMY OSMOND NICKNAME PANPA BEAR NOT ,YOUR FAMILIES VERY SPECIAL, FAMILIES ,MERRILL OSMOND I NEVER THOUGHT THAT YOU WAS NOT FAT YOU MERRILL OSMOND, IS A BEAR XOXO ALWAYS TOO ME MERRILL OSMOND HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE TOO ME AND THAT WHY IS YOUR NICKNAME IS TOO ME ,MERRILL OSMOND HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO HUGS ALWAYS LOVE YOU MERRILL OSMOND ,YOU ARE STILL HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO ALWAYS LOVE YOU
None of them describe their father as a tyrant in their memoirs, but they do believe in retrospect that they were pushed too hard.Their father also expressed regret that he had pushed them so hard as children.But no parent is perfect, he did what he thought was necessary for success. It was the 70s, no one knew how it would affect them. They all say they were loved & valued by their parents. I don't know many kids who respect their father as much as these do.He was strict but look what they did
he was a controlling master manipulator and slave driver.
I thought Merrill was really great looking great singer
Amen
The Jacksons were in the Same Boat with Songwriting. After The Corporation who gave them Four Number One Hits in a Row broke up, they couldn't write and produce their own music instead having outside help including Clifton Davis (Never Can Say Goodbye). Their Father Joe who made his share of mistakes told his Children if they were to survive in this Industry they had to leave Motown for another Label that would give term what they needed. They left for Epic, Jermaine stayed and it resulted in a 20 Million Lawsuit that took Six Years to settle. Jermaine whined about how his Brothers "Left" him but Marlon reminded him he chose to stay. It ended up becoming a very smart move because them, Gladys Knight & The Pips and The Isley Brothers careers continued to soar while others went downhill.
The Braxton Sisters were very resentful and bitter because Toni became a Superstar and they didn't. They thought they would be the next Big Girl Group after En Vogue and The Pointer Sisters since they too were from Oakland, CA., Even Self Help Guru Iyanla Vanzant couldn't help them The Osmonds were so tightknit and they are all still alive God Bless.
I didn't know the two oldest can talk. Interesting.
Merrill is a lovely man I am glad he still here x their dad didn't thing to much about his children controlling and a bully they were very kind there words of their father did their mum not have a say x
Merrill seems like such a wounded soul!
I feel so sad listening to this story . While us fans were loving them we had no idea the things the guys were going through and how tough it got for them at times. How sad how the parents depended on the their kids to support them financially. And after ALL those years of performing to lose everything they' had earned AND THEN to have to go out and perform 7 days aweek AGAIN ! ! AWFUL ! REALLY AWFUL. ! !
Tyrrant is probably a stretch. Also, to factor into your equation in how tough Donny's father was as a father factor in that I rememeber hearing (whether it is true or not) that their father (George Osmond Sr.) grew up supposedly in a less than stellar childhood so he might not have the easiest time being caring to his children and i think he probably focused them in their childhood but I don't doubt his love from how his children talk about him.
I'll never understand sibling rivalry - so sad.
They have to thank there dad for that for than
@DebbyNJ That just ripped me apart! God Bless him!
Wayne Osmond,
You say you want to be a surgeon. How long are your fingers? Yes, I know that sounds weird but think about it. Every surgeon I've ever known has long and slim fingers.
Stephanie lish, that's the way it was. Sadly enough alot of Families had Problems. Look at The Beach Boys. Their Father Murry was a SOB who was very jealous of Brian's Success. Dennis was a major Addict, as was Carl, even Brian's Daughter Carnie is a Recovering Addict.
Why would Jimmy's parents let him live by himself in California at age 15? 2:45
maybe he "divorced" them back in the day.
George meant well but the impression he gave me was he was too controlling even when his Kids were Grown Up. He should have been proud that Wayne had a Plan B. I wonder if he felt bad knowing the Psychological Impact he put on His Kids.
Father Osmond was a piece of work! Shame on Him!!!
Greed will always fuck you in the end
Jay had a little bit more reason to be Angry at Donny. How would you feel if your Brother took your Girlfriend away from you?
Were Jay and Debbie that serious? Although that's not cool for a brother to date a girl their brother dated
Do they really believe alcohol is that bad for you? I mean I get there is no moderate amount of smoking that is good but is alcohol really that bad for you that even a modest amount is unhealthy?
Anne Liesveld truth be told... Alcohol in any form is pure poison to your kidneys and liver! Any medical doctor will tell you that!
I guess I don't see alcohol that way but I don't really drink that much anyways!! I do eat WAY too much fast food! Do they always have to follow a super healthy diet because that is kind of 2x as worse as alcohol even more so.
maybe there is some truth to it. I love how donny describes alcohol as a "duh" no response. Don't really think about alcohol like fast food as a "duh" bad.
Poor Jimmy!
leahblashful how could his parents let him live alone at age 15 in an apartment? He created his own success though ! Jimmy is a brilliant business man! He also is very balanced and has a beautiful family! His investments in art, restaurants, real estate, and theaters, made him quite wealthy! Poor Jimmy? Hardly!
Jimmy was more realistic about His Familys Fame. He knew it wasn't going to last and a lot of Boybands found that out as well some found it out harder than others more than others
It was nice of Ralph Malph to lend Donny and Marie his car - 7:54.
so not true so there is much more in terms of restriction that involves their church unfortunately let alone how these guys have had to deal....there father was a military bully, who attempted to make his brood submissive, uniform, and subjected to his his demands...whether for religious reasons or monetary gain cannot make that assumption...but regardless...a tough ask
Stewart Roberts another haunting parallel to the Jacksons. Except Joe Jackson was more than just a bully; he was a real monster.
MY SON KENNETH R BARBER, YOUNGER SON CARSON BARBER IS WANTED TO GO 🚶♂️ IN THE AIR FORT ,WHEN HE TURN 18TH BIRTHDAY, HE WILL BE FINE AND WELL I DON'T KNOW ,
IAM SO VERY MUCH GLAD THAT YOU MERRILL OSMOND HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO HUGS TO YOU MERRILL OSMOND I WOULD NOT GET TO SEE YOU MERRILL OSMOND HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO HUGS IN PERSON ,I HONESTLY LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH HANDSOME SEXY BEAR XOXO HUGS ALWAYS LOVE YOU MERRILL OSMOND