American icon, singer, musician, producer, actor, dancer, author, radio personality, talk and gameshow host…there’s nothing the man hasn’t done. Donny Osmond is the seventh of eleven brothers and sisters. Along with Alan, Wayne, Merril, and Jay, the Osmond Brothers caught the attention of Andy Williams’ Father on a Disneyland Televised Special as a barbershop quartet. After a successful audition, the group performed on The Andy Williams Show and quickly skyrocketed to popularity. The Osmonds went on to become one of the most successful touring groups in the early seventies, selling over 80 million records in a single 12-month period. He’s been in the public eye since early childhood and holds a record that stands to this day for “Most Hearts Melted” in a single musical performance. After 5 decades on the stage, he hasn’t lost an ounce of love for perfomrance and hasn’t missed a beat. “Donny and Marie” has earned three of the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas Awards in 2012, including “Best Show,” “Best All-Around Performer” (Donny & Marie), and “Best Singer (Donny-2012, 2013).” We at Naluda had the chance to ask Donny what it’s like living the life of show business, father, husband, and now, interior designer.
What was life like growing up in the Osmond house? Was it competitive with 8 siblings?
Growing up in a family of 11 (Father, Mother, Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Me, Marie and Jimmy) meant that there was always someone there to talk to. Was it competitive? Only during dinner time when seconds were offered.
How old were you when you started performing? Where did the journey to stardom begin for you?
I was 5 years old when I debuted on The Andy Williams Show. So, I suppose you could say the journey began there. It’s taken a lot of turns with ups and downs, but it’s a roller coaster ride I will never quit.
Was there anything else you wanted to be when you were growing up?
An electrician. In fact,I used to love building kits and trinkets that involved electricity in my youth..
Who inspires you the most both in music and in life?
There are a few people that come to mind, but Stevie Wonder is one of my favorites.
Life is literally nonstop for you! Your performances at The Flamingo Las Vegas, your 60th album coming out this fall…you’ve achieved so much! What does a typical day look like for you?
I get up a little later than most since I perform late into the evening at The Flamingo, so by about 7 a.m. I’ll go to the gym. During the day, it’s not uncommon for me to be on my phone with calls and e-mails. I’m currently spending a lot of time in the soundbooth cutting vocals for my upcoming album.
What can fans expect from your show when coming to visit you in Las Vegas?
Marie and I are celebrating our 6th year in Las Vegas; I think that kind of success comes from exceeding the expectations people have when they come to see our show. It is a high energy show and set in a traditional Vegas Showroom, which helps the audience feel like they are literally in the middle of the performance.
How do you like to relax and unwind?
I either watch a good movie or read a book to unwind. Lately, I’ve found a couple of great pieces of literature.
Your success has taken you around the globe, what has been the highlight of your career so far?
Today has been the highlight of my career. I’ve been in the entertainment business for 50 years, and if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: “This industry can make you king for a day, but turn on you in the next. Therefore, work hard for every success, but don’t forget to be grateful.”
How do you define your personal style?
I like to be comfortable in whatever setting I’m in. On stage, it’s nothing but class; I love wearing a great suit. At home, give me some jeans and a t-shirt.
What’s your favorite meal and where do you like to have it?
Chicken enchiladas in our Provo, Utah kitchen. Debbie makes the most amazing chicken enchiladas.
What’s the last thing you bought for yourself that you really love?
A helicopter. I absolutely love it; I fly it at least twice a week and buzz the neighborhood. I’m also getting pretty proficient at maneuvering it through trees, but I would love to learn how to do flips. Did I mention it’s a remote control helicopter?
What’s the thing you’d really love to buy next?
A new helicopter. I’m not a very good remote control pilot.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
Home. I’ve traveled the world over – multiple times. Dorothy said it best, “There is no place like home.”
What’s your oldest possession, something you would hate to part with?
I have a box in my basement that I just cannot throw away. It has all of my original purple socks in it.
What’s something about you most people would be surprised to hear?
At this point in my career, I’ve surprised a lot of people with all the different things I’ve done: TV, radio, theater, touring, race car driving, boxing…however, I think the most surprising is that my wife, Debbie and I have gone into home furnishings. I love this new expression of creativity.
How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year with your wife Debbie and all the children/grandchildren?
Mother’s Day is a very special day. I’ll be home with Debbie just spending quality time together. While some of my children/grandchildren won’t be celebrating with us in person because they live on opposite coasts, I’m sure we’ll be video calling all of them.
How important do you think it is for us to look after our moms?
I have a deep rooted respect for mothers, especially my mother. She, along with my father, taught me important principles that help me govern my life today. You know, if we’re honest with ourselves, mothers play an integral role establishing the foundations of society. They leave an indelible impression with the children they raise, and those children become our leaders.
How does it feel to be a pop icon to so many moms on an International level?
I meet a lot of those “International Moms” when they come to see my show at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. I’m very grateful for all my fans and to have a lasting career in entertainment.
Tell us more about the DOH Brand.
Donny Osmond Home conveys a rustic simplicity with charm and modern flair. The collection brings warmth and comfort home again, featuring antiqued hues and finishes updated with trending colors and textures. It delivers big on the brand message of “Making Home & Family #1” by creating an environment that encourages families to spend more time together.
Where can we purchase the line?
Visit DonnyOsmond.com for a variety of online sellers, participating retailers and dealers searchable at the WHERE TO BUY link on each category page. The collection has just launched to retailers this past January, so product is arriving now to retail locations across the U.S.
The brand message is “family” can you share more about that?
Debbie and I have consistently maintained “home and family” as a priority in our lives. The brand message is an extension of who we are. It validates “home” as a place where “family focus” cultivates strong bonds, traditions, and interactions that inspire a lifetime of happiness, security and peace. Our blogs at DonnyOsmond.com offer creative ideas for home design, discussion of social issues facing families today, and great activity ideas for you and your family.
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