Introduction
Merrill Osmond Shares Final Moments with His Brothers Before Wayne’s Passing
In a deeply emotional video shared on his official Facebook page, Merrill Osmond — singer, songwriter, and core member of the legendary family band The Osmonds — reminisced about the precious final moment when he and his brothers sang together one last time before the passing of their beloved brother, Wayne Osmond.
Wayne Osmond, singer, guitarist, and founding member of The Osmonds, passed away on January 1st at a hospital in Salt Lake City after suffering a stroke. He was 73. His death brought profound sorrow to his family, fans, and especially to his close brother Merrill, who described Wayne as “a man of humility, unconditional love, and absolutely no guile.”
From their early days performing barbershop harmonies, Wayne helped lead The Osmonds to global fame in the 1970s with chart-topping hits like One Bad Apple, Yo-Yo, and Down By The Lazy River. His powerful guitar skills and technical command often surprised listeners and helped dispel the notion that The Osmonds were merely teen idols, earning him respect in rock music circles.
Wayne’s contributions went far beyond performance — he played multiple instruments, arranged music, and co-wrote songs that helped shape the band’s sound. A key example of his influence is the 1972 album Crazy Horses, where the gritty title track with Wayne’s driving guitar riff became a defining moment in the group’s evolution from pop to rock and funk.
He also played a major role in The Plan, an ambitious concept album exploring the Osmonds’ Mormon faith through complex melodies and progressive rock. Though it had mixed commercial success, the album is still cherished by fans and critics for its sincerity and depth. Tracks like Goin’ Home and Let Me In revealed a level of musical and lyrical sophistication that reflected the band’s commitment to their artistry.
The video Merrill shared captured a rare and intimate moment — a final performance with his brothers during the farewell gathering for his and Mary’s mission service. Wayne and Jimmy joined in, creating a touching and unforgettable scene. Merrill captioned the video: “I thought you’d like to see this little video of my brothers and I singing together one final time.”
Wayne Osmond’s passing is a great loss, but his musical legacy and spirit will forever live on in the hearts of fans around the world. May he rest in peace.