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MERRILL...is
an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician whose career
as a performing artist has spanned over 45 years! He still tours with his brothers Wayne & Jay in their "Back on the Road" tour as well as performs during season in Branson, Missouri and on various cruise ships around the world. The brothers still enjoy seeing the many faces they grew up performing with in the 70's who now bring their families to the show, as well as the many who enjoy them as young men performing on the Andy Williams show in the 60's. Merrill's career began in the early 60's with him singing harmony with his brothers in a barbershop quartet. The brothers had performed locally to rave reviews when Andy Williams' father discovered them at Disneyland. They spent seven seasons on the Andy Williams Show. It was there that their talents were stretched to their limits and variety was added to their performance. Each week they were asked to perform new routines that ranged from learning a new dance step to ice skating. Andy has often said they were called the "one take Osmonds" because they accepted each challenge and gave it their all the first time. |
| In the early 70's they left the Andy Williams Show
and they began
writing and recording which led to a contact with MGM records and OSMONDMANIA hit the world! Within two months of their first release, "One Bad Apple," they became teen sensations and embarked on tours which took them around the world. Everywhere they went they were met with screaming fans that at times reached hysteria. You could not pick up a teen magazine without seeing their smiling faces. Every teenage girl in the US and elsewhere around the world had their bedroom walls covered with pictures of the Osmonds. |
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In addition to publishing
songs, Merrill has also produced and published One additional special program that Merrill
was involved in as a producer |
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Merrill has had a leading role in many varied enterprises one of which was co-founder of The Osmond Foundation, which produces "The Children's Miracle Network Telethon." |
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Motion Picture Credits Aside from music and show production,
Merrill also moved into the motion picture arena. One
of the first projects he served as executive
producer on was the feature motion
picture,
"The Great Brain." This popular family film also
starred youngest brother Jimmy in the lead
role
of a boy whose intellect and mischievousness
created many adventures. Merrill's next project was another family
affair
as Donny and Marie took over the beaches of
Hawaii in the film
"Goin' Coconuts." Merrill
once again was executive producer of
this
comedy/drama picture. |
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Festivals and Special Events Merrill has lent his talents to a number of notable programs around the country, especially in the state of Utah. One of the most prominent is the "Freedom Festival," a Fourth of July celebration in Provo, Utah. This event is known for its spectacular presentation of music, celebrities and fireworks. As a co-founder and producer, Merrill helped to make the Freedom Festival memorable for years to come. The pioneer spirit has its hold on Merrill, as seen in the many pageants for which he has served as producer. In 1988 Merrill first produced the "Utah Youth Pioneer Pageant," an original work of story and music which told a stirring tale of the early pioneers' trek across the plains. It featured hundreds of local youth, including many Osmond children! Later the production was modified and expanded for the people of Missouri to experience. Like Merrill's earlier Utah festival, fireworks, music and dancing played a big part in this patriotic production. |
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Merrill's Honors and Special
Awards With the many directions Merrill's career has taken him, it is little wonder that he has been recognized by a number of organizations for his contributions to the entertainment industry and community. Some of these varied awards and honors include: |
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Besides his multi-talented music and
entertainment/producing career, Merrill, being a father, is a supporter of youth
events such as professional soccer. He was even a basketball coach and involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He has received special
recognition for his participation in these and other youth oriented activities. Merrill was recognized in 1982 by the United States Jaycees as one of the
"Ten Outstanding Young Men" on a nationally televised program. He was honored to receive the Honorary Chairman and
Medalist Award, at the Utah
Special Olympics in 1990. With all of Merrill's ideas and creative energies being directed in so many ways, Merrill Osmond is ensured of an interesting and varied career. He is grateful and humbled by the recognition and success he and his family have thus far enjoyed, and plans to go on entertaining his audiences for years to come. |
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