Introduction
“One Bad Apple” stands as a defining milestone in the Osmonds’ career—an upbeat, bubblegum-pop single released on November 14, 1970, featured on their self-titled album Osmonds, recorded just weeks earlier . Written by George Jackson—initially intended for the Jackson 5—it was offered to Motown, who passed on it in favor of “ABC.” The Osmonds seized the opportunity and recorded it in the famed FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, tapping into the soulful “Muscle Shoals sound” championed by Jackson .
Upon its chart debut on January 2, 1971, “One Bad Apple” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 by February 13 and held that position for an impressive five weeks . It also climbed to No. 6 on the R&B chart and earned RIAA Gold certification on February 4. Billboard later named it the No. 4 song of 1971 .
Musically, Merrill Osmond led the vocals, with a 13‑year‑old Donny hitting the soaring high notes in the chorus—earning comparisons to the Jackson 5 and cementing the group’s status as America’s first mainstream “boy band” . Donny later reflected that the song’s success triggered frenzied fan reactions, marking a career‑defining moment: “massive screams… I’ve got to do this for the rest of my life” .
Beyond its commercial triumph, “One Bad Apple” helped transition the Osmonds from television guests to international touring stars—and became the theme for their 1972 ABC cartoon series .
The Osmonds revisited this hit in a stirring performance during the 2008 Pioneer Day Commemoration concert in Salt Lake City. The event, part of their 50-year legacy celebration, featured the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Performing “One Bad Apple” affirmed both the song’s enduring appeal and the group’s meaning as modern-day pioneers in blending pop, faith, and family .