Jay Osmond
Jay is the youngest of the original group “The Osmonds” and has been performing since the age of 2. When his family went to audition for Lawrence Welk in California, they were unable to meet with him, so they decided to make it a vacation to Disneyland instead. This is where Wayne, Alan, Merrill and Jay were discovered by Walt Disney. They performed at Disneyland and a few Disney TV shows. Soon after, they were asked to perform on NBC’s The Andy Williams Show (1962). They also appeared in nine episodes of the 1963-1964 ABC western television series, The Travels Of Jaimie McPheeters, with Jay in the role of young Lamentations Kissel. The series starred the then 12-year-old Kurt Russell, on a wagon train heading to the American West.
Jay was 8 years old when he learned to play the drums and was the drummer of the group from the very beginning. Together with his brothers he continued to perform on The Andy Williams show for nine years, with brother Donny joining them when he turned six. The Osmond Brothers were regulars on the Jerry Lewis Show in 1969, and they continued to tour and perform with Andy Williams.
Throughout the 70s, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay & Donny travelled all over the world performing hit songs including One Bad Apple, Yo-Yo, Down By The Lazy River, Let Me In, Crazy Horses and Love Me For A Reason, selling over 100 million records worldwide. The Osmond family has collectively been awarded 47 gold and platinum records, surpassing both Elvis and the Beatles in one year. Their best single year success was honored with nine gold records in 1971. In 1972, Jay shared the lead with brother Merrill on ‘Crazy Horses’, which became the Osmond’s bestselling single overseas. During the 1970s, Jay was voted one of the Top 10 drummers in the country. The brothers’ career also included Country hits in the 80’s when they received a CMA award.
In addition to performing, Jay produced the Osmond Family Specials, The Donny & Marie Show, Side by Side the movie, and co-produced albums with his brothers. He became executive producer of The Donny & Marie Show, as well as The Osmond Family Hour. He was also musical director and choreographer for Donny and Marie’s dance numbers and choreographed the Osmond Brothers’ numbers for TV and stage.
Today Jay continues to perform in concert throughout the world, and he appeared in the stage musical ‘Boogie Nights,’ both on tour in the UK, and for a resident summer season at Blackpool Grand Theatre.
Jay is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his religious values have influenced his career and life. He is the father of three boys, who all have gifts of musical talent. He married his wife, Karen in 2014. Together with her children they have a total of eight children and ten grandchildren! Jay continues to perform internationally and feels blessed to be able to continue doing what he loves. His autobiography ‘Stages’ was published in 2013.