The Osmonds Lose a Member of Their Family Band

Wayne Osmond, a key member of the famous Osmond music group, passed away at the age of 73. He was known for his powerful baritone voice that made the group's harmonies stand out. Wayne died in a Salt Lake City hospital after suffering a severe stroke, according to his brother Merrill. Merrill described Wayne as a humble and loving person who showed kindness to everyone he met. The family shared that Wayne's legacy includes his strong faith, love for music, and his fondness for banana splits. Born in Ogden, Utah, Wayne started singing with his brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay in a barbershop quartet when he was just a kid. They performed for their church community and soon became regulars on TV shows like "The Lawrence Welk Show" and "The Andy Williams Show. " The Osmonds gained major fame in the 1970s with hits like "One Bad Apple, " which topped the charts for five weeks. They also starred in their own TV specials and an animated kids' show. Wayne and his brothers became known worldwide for their music and family-friendly image. Wayne faced several health challenges over the years, including a brain tumor surgery in 1997 and a previous stroke in 2012. Despite these struggles, he continued to share his love for music and his faith. Wayne is the first of the Osmond siblings to pass away.