Alan Osmond, leader of the Osmonds singing group which had a string of hits in the 1970s, has passed away aged 76.
His death came a year after brother Wayne succumbed to a stroke at age 73.
Alan Osmond suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for most of his adult life, and this limited his public appearance in recent decades.
Alan’s brother, Merrill Osmond, 72, described the group’s leader as “a gifted creator, a man of faith, and a deeply loving soul whose life blessed many”.
“I was grateful to be with him shortly before he passed and to share a final meaningful moment together,” Merrill said.
“Our family is thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers. We will honor his memory and the message he cared so deeply about. He will be missed beyond words.”
Alan’s younger sister, Marie, said her brother had many incredible talents, from singing to performing, to playing multiple instruments.
“He wrote hit records and albums…produced TV shows, large events and music videos,” she said.
“Alan became our leader at age 12. How daunting that must have felt to have that immense responsibility, to lead at such a young age.
“But he never complained. He told me many times, ‘It felt like a mission… a long one, but I loved doing it’.”
The Osmond Brothers (later known as just the Osmonds) were one of the biggest musical acts in the world in the 1970s, selling more than 77 million records in that decade and beyond.
Their major hits includes One Bad Apple, Crazy Horses, Let Me In, YoYo, Down by the Lazy River and Love Me For a Reason.
On top of the success of the group, Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond and Jimmy Osmond all had top 10 hits as soloists.
Donny and Marie hosted a prime time variety television show in the US in the 1970s.
The Osmond Brothers began as a barbershop quartet in the 1960s consisting of brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay.
They achieved national exposure through The Andy Williams Show and regular appearances on Disney productions.
