The music world mourns the loss of Wayne Osmond, the cherished second-oldest member of the iconic Osmonds family, who passed away on January 1 at the age of 73. Wayne’s contributions to music and his vibrant personality left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. His legacy as a performer, brother, and friend will be remembered fondly by fans and family alike.

Wayne, along with his eight siblings, formed a talented barbershop quartet in 1958, which included brothers Alan, Merrill, and Jay. Their journey to fame began after a stunning performance at Disneyland, leading to their appearance on NBC’s The Andy Williams Show for an impressive seven years starting in 1962. With the addition of brothers Jimmy and Donny, the group became known as the Osmonds, capturing the hearts of teenagers during the vibrant music scene of the 1970s.

Originating from Ogden, Utah, the Osmonds were deeply influenced by their Mormon faith. Their mother, Olive, highlighted this connection in a 1976 interview featured in Fred Bronson’s The Billboard Book of Number One Hits. She noted how the church fosters creativity in children, encouraging activities like singing and sports from a young age. This nurturing environment was instrumental in shaping the quartet’s early performances and set the stage for their eventual rise to fame.

The Osmonds achieved remarkable success on the Billboard Hot 100, recording four top 10 hits among a total of 10 appearances in the top 40. Notably, their 1971 hit “One Bad Apple” reached the No. 1 spot, becoming a defining moment in their career. Additionally, Alan and Merrill Osmond co-wrote “Down by the Lazy River,” which peaked at No. 4 in 1972 and stands as the group’s most significant self-penned success. Their album Phase-III reached No. 10 on the Billboard 200 in 1972, solidifying their place in music history.

After an impressive run of 13 hits on the Hot 100 from 1971 to 1976, the Osmonds temporarily disbanded in the summer of 1980. They reunited in 1982, with the notable absence of Donny, and made a mark on the Hot Country Songs chart, achieving 11 entries through 1986. Their debut country hit, “I Think About Your Lovin’,” climbed into the top 20, showcasing their versatility and appeal across different music genres.

While the Osmonds enjoyed group success, Donny Osmond carved out a remarkable solo career, achieving five top 10 hits on the Hot 100 from 1971 to 1973. His standout track, “Go Away Little Girl,” dominated the charts for three weeks, just months after the success of “One Bad Apple.” After a hiatus from the charts spanning 13 years, Donny made a triumphant return, reaching No. 2 in 1989 with the hit “Soldier of Love,” showcasing his enduring talent and appeal.

In addition to Donny’s accomplishments, he and his sister Marie Osmond enjoyed significant success together, tallying seven hits on the Hot 100 from 1974 to 1978, including two that broke into the top 10. Marie also established a successful career in the country music genre, achieving four No. 1 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart between 1973 and 1986, further demonstrating the Osmonds’ widespread influence in the music industry.

On January 2, Donny paid a heartfelt tribute to Wayne on X, stating, “Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone. I’m sure I speak on behalf of every one of us siblings when I state that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother.” This touching message reflects the deep bond shared by the siblings and the lasting impact Wayne had on their lives.

Explore below the Osmonds’ most significant career hits as a group on the Hot 100, reflecting their remarkable journey through the music industry and their continuing legacy.

The Osmonds’ Biggest Billboard Hits chart is based on actual performance on the weekly Hot 100 chart from its inception on August 4, 1958, through January 4, 2025. Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least. Due to changes in chart methodology over the years, eras are weighted to account for different chart turnover rates over various periods.