Alan R. Osmond
"Big Al"
"A nickname given to Alan since he was the tallest of the family"
In 1957, eight year old Alan Osmond, together with his younger brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay, formed the Osmond Brothers Quartet. Alan, the third oldest child born to George and Olive Osmond, was the oldest member of the singing group, and therefore served as spokesperson and leader. Under Alan's guidance and direction, the young group won the attention and affection of local audiences throughout Utah and eventually garnered a regular spot on the Andy William's Show for 7 years.
Alan learned early to take responsibility for creative and business decisions that make the difference between a good performance and a great one. Whether it was learning the vocal harmonies, mastering the myriad of musical instruments, or rehearsing the superbly choreographed dance numbers, Alan's encouragement and motivation led the group to great heights.
Alan says, "Whenever it was time to practice or rehearse a show, I had to gather my brothers together. We didn't always want to work, and even though I felt the same way they did, I had to say, 'Look guys, if we practice hard now, just think of what we might become in the future. Now let's get in there and practice.' And we did."
Even the optimistic young brothers could not have predicted what they would become . . . In the 1970's, the Osmonds, with the addition of brothers Donny and Jimmy and sister Marie, became world-famous singing sensations earning over 33 gold and platinum records, breaking well-established records in the music industry, and even winning recognition for having the loudest audiences in the industry. "Osmondmania," as it was dubbed in England, swept the decade.
During the 70's, Alan composed many of the Osmonds' greatest hits, including "Down By the Lazy River." He contributed as song writer, composer and producer to the Osmonds' #1 songs and award-winning albums "Crazy Horses" and "The Plan."
In the late 70's, Alan branched out into television production. He was executive and line producer for many successful television series including: "The Osmond Family Show," "Mel & Susan," with Mel Tillis and Susan Anton, "The Donna Fargo Show," "The Roy Clark Show," and of course, the top-rated "Donny and Marie Show." Alan says, " 'Donny & Marie' is really a good reflection of what the Osmonds are interested in, no matter what area of business. First of all, the show's production values, its material and talent, are all top grade. That's what we are all about: quality. Secondly, 'Donny & Marie' is a family effort . . . our whole family's creative energy is channeled into it; we are producing something for families to enjoy and believe in. I'm excited to be part of it all."
In the 1980's, Alan divided his time between performing with the Osmond Brothers and molding the music career of his own sons, the Osmonds 2nd Generation. With the Osmond Brothers, Alan traveled the country performing and received awards as a video director/producer with two Country Music Award (CMA) nominations and a SESAC award for Best Video of the Year.
With his wife, Suzanne, Alan costumed, choreographed, directed and encouraged their eight (8) sons Michael, Nathan, Douglas, David, Scott, Jon, Alex and Tyler, as they embarked on their own music career. Whether playing the piano for the shows, operating the sound system, or just sitting in the audience, Alan and Suzanne's participation and encouragement was reminiscent of Alan's parents' role in the early days of the Osmond Brothers Boys Quartet.
Of his parents, Alan says, "The one thing that stands out in my mind as I look back over our years in show business is the principle of personal and group discipline taught us by our parents. To be successful in anything you pursue in life takes dedication and work. Some people look at us today and say it was 'regimentation' that brought us such success, but we look at it as 'organization.'" Alan and Suzanne taught that same discipline and organization to their sons.
Throughout the 80's and 90's, Alan produced live entertainment spectaculars with celebrities and fireworks that have been labeled "bigger-than-life extravaganzas like his 25 sold out years of "Alan Osmond's Stadium of Fire". His production company, Alan Osmond Productions, Inc., produced mall tours, concerts, 4th of July firework spectaculars, and two Presidential Inaugurals and Balls (Reagan and Bush).
Together with his family's Osmond Foundation, Alan helped organize and develop what is now called the Children's Miracle Network Telethon, which raises millions of dollars each year for children's hospitals and has now reached over 2.5 billion dollars helping over 17,000,000 sick children. He and his wife formed some other charities called One Heart and The Family Home Foundation to help "strengthen families".
In the early 90's Alan joined his brothers and sons to perform at the Osmond Family Theater in Branson, Missouri. A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis didn't damper Alan's enthusiasm for performing. Alan often speaks out sharing his life's driving force, experiences, and very positive attitude that "I may have M.S. . . but, M.S. does NOT have me" and allows him a "stage" to encourage others to overcome those challenges. He continued to serve as spokesperson and leader of the Osmond Brothers, providing encouragement and motivation when they sought his advice. Eventually, Alan left the performing to his brothers and turned his attention to motivational speaking, writing and creating family valued media.
Today, Alan's life has taken on many new dimensions. Managing his sons' careers allowed him to see the entertainment industry from a backstage and corporate view. It also allowed him time to write books and produce media projects and travel with his wife, Suzanne, as guest speakers to share his motivating messages to help others. Alan explored his new interest, the Internet, and quickly saw the power of the World Wide Web as a tool that could link the family with their fans, by bringing not only Osmond news and events to people around the world, but practical, inspirational, and beneficial information to other families. Alan founded Osmond Network to do this, and with time, interest and expertise, his sites get millions of hits monthly, and have grown to include a growing number of sister sites that today are flourishing.
Alan Osmond is a multifaceted man. From mastering six instruments, to adding his wide vocal range to the family harmony, to his award-winning song writing, directing, programming, composing and producing, it is obvious Alan is an accomplished musician.
From fundraising to supporting scouting to receiving the prestigious Freedom Award, it is obvious Alan is a community leader. From the Osmond Network on the internet to TheFamily.com where he publishes content to fulfill the mission statement of his charity, One Heart Foundation, to "Strengthen Families", it is also obvious Alan is a visionary man. It is his hope that visitors to his sites will find some sense of his happiness and "strength" through the sites he envisioned.
Through all his accomplishments, his dreams, and his ambitions, Alan's priority remains his family. His faith in God and devotion to his religion complete him. It is his hope that through his vision of Osmond Net, that which makes his life so full can be a part of others' lives as well.
