Alan Ralph Osmond (June 22, 1949 – April 20, 2026) was an American singer and musician. He was best known for being a member of the family musical group The Osmonds. Prior to that, Alan (aged 12) and his brothers were performing as the Osmond Brothers Boys' Quartet. He served as leader of the group.

Early life

Alan Ralph Osmond was born on June 22, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, the son of Olive May (née Davis; 1925–2004) and George Virl Osmond (1917–2007). He was the oldest of the seven siblings who could sing, as the two oldest brothers, Virl and Tom, are hearing impaired.

Music career

thumb|David Osmond (front left) with the Osmond Chapman Orchestra.

Starting in 1958, Alan and three of his younger brothers (Wayne, Merrill, and Jay in their respective age orders) began singing as a barbershop quartet. In 1961, the group headed to Los Angeles to audition for The Lawrence Welk Show, only for host Lawrence Welk to refuse to hear them sing; they met The Lennon Sisters at this audition, who directed them to Disneyland, where they found paying work as performers.

During much of the Osmonds' career, Alan, being the oldest of the group, was the band's creative leader, playing piano and guitar, co-writing many of their songs with Merrill, co-producing most of their recordings, and arranging the dance choreography. He nevertheless seldom sang anything more than backing vocals, in contrast to his younger brothers. Leading The Osmonds at a young age, Alan was called "No. 1" by his brothers. although, Alan did appear for a get-together with Jay, Wayne and Merrill in 2019, as per request for their sister Marie Osmond's 60th birthday. He was still writing songs at the time of his last performances, including a composition to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Orem, Utah.

In 1980, Alan Osmond, along with his brother Merrill Osmond, created Stadium of Fire, which has become one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the United States.

Health

Osmond began to experience dysfunction in his right hand during an Osmond Brothers concert in 1987. He was later diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), which he publicly announced during the MDA Labor Day Telethon in 1994.

Relationships, marriage and children

Osmond married Suzanne Pinegar, at the time a cheerleader at Brigham Young University, on July 16, 1974. He and Suzanne had eight sons, including entertainer David Osmond.

Prior to his marriage, Osmond dated extensively,

Death

Osmond died at his home in Lehi, Utah, on April 20, 2026, at the age of 76. He had spent a week hospitalized in intensive care before returning home to receive hospice care four days before his death. He was buried at Spanish Fork City Cemetery in Spanish Fork.

Awards

In November 2021, Alan and Suzanne Osmond were honored as Pillars of Utah Valley.

In 1986, Alan and his brothers were granted honorary lifetime membership into the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America.

References

  • Alan Osmond at International Songwriters Association