British guitarist analyses The Osmonds live in 1975!

[@David_Creyke]

The Osmonds were severely underrated

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

it was entertainment politics. The Osmonds had their own recording studio and cut out a lot of middlemen but they still got their money stolen from the ($30 Millions) in the 80s from outside "management" but they were SO popular in the USA in the 70s. I am 62 now and am a lifelong fan.

[@Estes705]

@@kathleenmacdonald5511 Didn't Jimmy start touring non-stop in the early 80's in Japan & Europe to cash in on the Osmonds notoriety so he could bail them out financially?

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

@@Estes705 the Osmonds were robbed of $30million once the father gave up controlling the finances and hired a management company. All the Osmonds did whatever they could to rebuild the family fortune.

[@my56chevy]

​@@kathleenmacdonald5511 they were even bigger in Britain and Europe. It was like Beatlemaina for them.

[@puppycat58]

Absolutely true

[@stevenlornie1261]

The Osmonds are one of the bands I'd love to travel back and see. Their routines and songs were a lot more clever than people think. There was an obscene amount of talent here.

[@PennyShreve]

The rock music they wrote and performed (Crazy Horses, Hold Her Tight, Traffic In My Mind, etc.) was brilliant and ahead of its time.

[@Msterri51]

I loved Traffic In My Mind !!

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

I love their version of He ain't Heavy He's My Brother. It stills make me cry when I hear it because it always reminded me of my own brothers who had a hard way to go in life.

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

I believe their music will live on. It will circle around (again after all the prejudice people have died off) like so many other entities have, and people will be free to appreciate their talent.

[@catsnfashion80s]

Yeah!

[@DianeOliver-cu3kj]

Yes, yet they have not been inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. They have been overlooked time after time. ☹️

[@anenglishlife7210]

So pleased you did such a great in-depth analysis of the Osmonds career. Just to add... Donny started a really successful comeback solo career around 2003/4 and has kept it going strong right up until today. He’s a force of nature , a true legend. ❤️

[@Cathleen861]

Between the five performing brothers, they played at least 57 different musical instruments. They all had their main instrument, but they all could play everything. ....extremely talented family. I have been a diehard fan for 54 years! I was only 8 years old when I first fell for Donny. I never got over it. 😂

[@DianeOliver-cu3kj]

Six performing Brothers, you forgot about Jimmy & one Sister ( Marie ) & they all could play instruments even tho they didn’t always play onstage.

[@mitchmitchell8062]

And I scratch my head wondering HOW THEY ARE NOT IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!!!??!!!

[@DianeOliver-cu3kj]

@@mitchmitchell8062 Me Too!?! It makes me so mad that they are so overlooked & snubbed.

[@arealmench]

The Osmonds were/are a very talented group but a lot of people still think that it wasn't cool to like them which is silly except if you were a hippie, lol

[@lavoniajohallharris3313]

Ya mean if we were Hendrix, Doors or Joplin Hipsters lol I really don't remember Osmonds rockin' out like this, got to admire their talent tho! 🙂

[@paulnodalo9130]

It was a anti pollution save the earth song.The crazy horses were the cars.Horse as in car engine horsepower.Nothing to do with wild animals.The Osmonds well well ahead of their time. A superb rock group with a very positive song that charted at No1 in the American Billboard 100.

[@mcfcguvnors]

adding a brass section on the studio version was a touch of genius

[@bobdavis4848]

The excellent "Crazy Horses" did not reach #1 in the American Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at #14 in the US. it reached #1 in The Netherlands, France and Belgium. But you are right about its meaning. The only thing to do with horses the animals about the song was Donny's keyboard made to sound like neighing.

[@southernwanderer7912]

This is the first time I've seen anyone react to an Osmond's song. You did a really good job on it. I loved the Osmonds, especially Merrill.

[@PorcelainLeigh]

Me too! Merrill and Donny are the most naturally gifted singers in the family. I'd love to love Marie's voice, but too contrived, my opinion, but what a bright light she is. I get sad when I think about the Osmonds and the Jackson's. Two families that worked as hard, as hard gets. One with love, the other with hate. Was so happy to see Donny's show in Vegas is sold out as I write in July of '22!

[@richardcase3786]

Joe Elliot of Def Leppard said in an interview that this was one of his favorite songs from the 70s.

[@debhadden205]

I lived about two miles away from the Osmonds in the Mid-1980s. I went to church with Jay, and we had interactions from time to time just by virtue of being in the same community. I have to just say you have really done a thorough research on their history. And it delights me to see the expression on your face while watching this clip. You seem to really enjoy watching them. I have been a huge fan of the Osmonds for decades. This video was so fun to watch and it was a great analysis.

[@whippet3784]

I enjoyed watching the expression on the commentator's face too because I have already seen Crazy Horses hundreds of times. Amazing how these young kids are interested in what we older fans already know is great-like the Osmonds.

[@lambertramirez93]

@@whippet3784 I felt the same. Appreciate his research. Well done

[@pippasmith4813]

Crazy Horses was originally released in 1972. The difference with this group is that they sang, danced and played multiple instruments live on stage. When they were in concert in Sydney in the mid-70's a string on Merrill's guitar broke in the middle of a song and they fixed it at record speed. Their 90 minute shows were non-stop. The album after Crazy Horses was followed up with The Plan, which also had some great self-written rock/pop tracks.

[@pippasmith4813]

Actually a better example of the band playing live and see the guitar work and the organ is this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXXFep16bLiWp68

[@redwoods7370]

We need more people like Fil on this planet. But we're lucky to have at least one Fil treasure. Thanks, Fil for all your appreciations and insights and analyses. I'm getting such an amazing education watching your videos.

[@johnm3152]

Fil is a bit of all right!

[@ronniewrong1539]

quite right

[@jimsmith8435]

@@ronniewrong1539 YES!

[@georgeorwell4534]

Fil is The Man.

[@Johnnycdrums]

Me too.

[@grievousangelic]

My sister and I LOVED the Osmonds! They never did get the respect they deserved. Bubblegum or not, they're miles ahead of many bands today: they wrote, sang, and produced their own music, as well as played their own instruments. No lip-synching, auto-tune or Pro Tools. What you heard is what they were doing -- not what the computer programs added to the music. All the brothers were great singers -- any of them could have been a lead singer. And the reason they were in such debt is because they had some really sleazy "financial advisers" who cheated them out of their eyeteeth, but because they were friends of the family, no one questioned them. Thanks so much for presenting and commenting on these guys. They really do deserve a lot of respect for what they accomplished. Love it!

[@MaxStax1]

I had a girlfriend in the 9th grade who wore a locket around her neck all the time. After some protests from her she finally showed me what was inside, yes it was the smiling face of Donny Osmand.

[@greenworm7915]

max stax Yep....we were all crazy for them. I had a crush on Jay, but what a totally handsome group of brothers! All of them. And management made them hide their marriages! Wasn't good for the mass of female fans! 😂

[@ClownWhisper]

I don't know man from Detroit and it was pretty clear to everybody near and far that the osman's worry corporate attempt at making a white van to rival The Jackson 5 and it wasn't happening. When I was a kid I used to daydream about beating the snot out of Donny Osmond he just had that look on his face that you wanted to punch him Square in the fucking chops

[@sleepysiren9883]

Clown Whisper um no.... im a fan of both, Osmonds were there first. This ain’t the first time two similar boy bands were “rivals”

[@ClownWhisper]

@@sleepysiren9883 you're talking about a group that wasn't wearing the flashy outfits that were wearing little kids clothes and playing on that Disney directed Channel I can't remember the name of the guy Andy something they were a special guest of his quite often they weren't a big famous rock band. End of story let me ask you a question do you think they copied off of The Jackson 5? Simple question Also even the cartoon came out a year after the Jackson 5 one did they copied every step that the Jackson 5 talk and if you look at this video and look at the ridiculous clothes they're wearing what do you think inspired that? They were heavily produced heavily promoted and weren't really even The Osmond Brothers Band as we know them now or from our memory from back then until they started being promoted and wearing outlandish clothes and trying to sing with R&B sound they were totally mimicking The Jackson 5. The only had one maybe two number one hits in the Jacksons headlight 7 or 8 maybe I can't remember and many many many number twos threes fours fives. Shit The Jacksons had more number one hits than the Osmonds even had chart recognized hits

[@sleepysiren9883]

Clown Whisper imo, yeah I do think they copied, but I also think it wasn’t their choice... obviously the people managing the Osmonds saw how successful the Jacksons were and they mimicked them a bit (just like boyband trends they tend to look similar, look at kpop groups nowadays) and the people managing the Jacksons probably did the same thing... even in the video he states that the Osmonds were starting to go towards a rock style which was different from the Jacksons. So basically, they probably copied off of each other but it most likely wasn’t a choice for the boys and boy bands till this day do that. And I wanna say that both groups are also EXTREMELY talented individually in my opinion

[@carolcremer6235]

Amazes me how you know so much about whatever artists people suggest, even the artists I don't think I would want to hear about you make it interesting to listen to :)

[@RBNightlinger]

Yes! I could watch Fil's videos all day long, even if I don't particularly care for the artist he's highlighting. His commentary is so detailed and interesting!

[@tommycollins7846]

The Osmonds toured with Led Zeppelin in the 1970's. Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham, called Jay Osmond his favorite drummer.

[@richrogers299]

They were in the same town at the same time as Zeppelin and Zeppelin invited them to perform on stage with them, they never toured together.

[@geneward779]

@@richrogers299 That makes sense but did they actually perform together?

[@richrogers299]

@Gene Ward I don't believe they ever toured together. Two altogether different fan bases. I Googled this and according to the articles I found it was a one off thing one night, one number, nothing else.

[@geneward779]

Still- who would have thought?

[@michellerosebrown]

Wow! Now you know they were rockers. John Bonham. That’s something.

[@teresatorres3760]

I enjoy your commentary you know your craft and are very respectful of each group great job and I subscribed for these reasons keep up the great job.

[@samstevens7172]

The Carpenters, now the Osmonds. Is there anybody you’re not willing to tackle? I can tell you, this is a track I would never even have watched, much less appreciate, without you as the guide. You’re the Steven Ambrose of music, brother. Your work matters. Thanks Fil!

[@PirateLeota]

I don't know if anyone else has pointed this out (949 comments!), so I just want to say that Merrill was the lead singer of the Osmonds. Donny, Jay, and even Alan and Wayne, sang lead from time to time, but Merrill was the actual front man. Donny, of course, had his own albums and so forth, but for the Osmonds as a band, it was Merrill (who also is my favorite!). 😊

[@leeturnpenny6469]

Feckin' A! Difficult to fathom this guy's ignorance of the fact, given the apparent research. Merrill was the lead vocalist and bassist of the band, which was a fine one, with a great singer - Merrill.

[@roseypeach8363]

The Osmonds were screwed by their financial agent.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

The Osmonds were cool in their own way, whether you liked them or not. And you have brought that out, Phil. Thank you.

[@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia]

He's a very kind and an open-minded man. I think that is cool. But the shock was real. LOL He must be a wonderful guitar instructor!!! I wish I could sign up! I'm very rusty.

[@EPA18]

There was NOTHING "cool" about the Osmonds, America's nerdiest group.

[@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia]

@@EPA18 I meant that Fil is cool. Not the Osmonds! 😲 🤣

[@lettyguerra371]

Like them or not, they were a very talented bunch of people. Disciplined and dedicated.

[@Lazydaisy646]

@@EPA18 well millions of young women were madly in law be with them, they were talented as well

[@katemaloney4296]

One of only a few groups who weren't completely stoned before going out on stage, and when the show was over they all went home and had dinner together as a family. No wild parties or orgies or accidental overdoses to grace the cover of the next morning's newspapers.

[@martinconnor9840]

50 years later and this still stands up. It's an absolute banger. I put it on the jukebox in a bar last week and a 30 something said they hated it but couldn't offer an explanation as to why (do 30 year olds like proper music?) and another man I know in his early 70s was dancing and shouting that I was cool because the Osmonds were cool. Now that's wisdom. You're so right though, it's practically impossible to just listen to this once. It's such a feel good song, despite the message, and they always look like they are living the best life on any performance I've seen a video of. All positive. Fantastic.

[@drewpall2598]

Fil. You are a true music appreciation teacher. You point out things that might go unnoticed. excellent analysis and rundown on the Osmonds, even little Jimmy Osmond had a hit with "Long haired Lover From Liverpool" in late March 1972 thanks Fil.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@Surfingaliens65]

They weren't one trick Ponies that's for sure.

[@davidwitmer9929]

Quite impressed with your in depth knowledge.

[@loritanner4478]

Merrill was the Osmonds lead singer. They brought donny up to sing some of his songs for his girl fans. But Merrill was the lead. And I grew up listening to them in the 60's and 70's. I was a big fan.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Phill: your knowledge of the Osmonds is limitless and gives all of us a real insight into this talented family. And I so enjoy watching you taking so much enjoyment in this performance! Thank you!

[@Pipsterz]

Bizarro world but it really was borderline metal. I agree and can imagine another band playing this with a completely different audience - classic rock.

[@bigfatno]

Mike Portnoy singing crazy horses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2m9ZIZ8rMd0q8k Puny Human - Crazy Horses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGaYmKqvq5aJna8

[@skridtractor875]

The metal band 'Tank' does a great version of this song on their 1982 'Power of the Hunter' album.

[@cazgerald9471]

I'm picking up more of a funk vibe - especially when incorporating the outfits and choreography.

[@chartle1]

@@cazgerald9471 same here if the sound was off and you didn't know who they were those hats and epic bell bottoms scream funk

[@bigfatno]

@@skridtractor875 I knew I was missing another video/version of the song, but I couldn't remember "Tank." Nice call.

[@troytrellman5011]

I remember being a small child and rocking out to the tracks "Down by the Lazy River" and "Crazy Horses" coming from my older sister's room and then years later being shocked when I discovered that it was The Osmonds. So yes, Fil is correct that the rockin' Osmonds did not fit the popular image and it probably hurt them.

[@jillwarsop8988]

I was a massive Osmonds fan in my teens and always felt that they were ahead of their time musically. Very overlooked as being bubblegum pop but far from it. Far above many groups musically and wonderful musicians. Thank you for appreciating them.

[@purplebrit]

Want some more Hardrock Osmonds? ' The Last Days' and ' Life is hard enough without goodbyes'.

[@tonycritcher3419]

'Hey Mr Taxi' too

[@sherrismith6158]

Two of my favorites

[@pinball1970]

This track kicks ass, loved it. We covered this in a band a few years ago, NOT easy to sing! On to your analysis

[@brandonio_granger]

It's a little known fact that The Osmonds actually fucking ROCKED,on several other tracks as well.

[@nursedebbie1332]

Yes, please do more videos about the Osmonds! Also during that time period I loved David Cassidy, The Beegees and Bobby Sherman. I had posters of them on the walls of my room when I was a young teen.

[@wtglb]

They were trying to lose the “Bubblegum” label

[@jimearnest4342]

Swamper60: it didn't work,lol.

[@shannondawn44]

They never wanted the "bubblegum" label . That was sort of pushed on them

[@johnhanna7138]

Well instead of losing the Bubblegum some more got stuck on😂

[@dmotta2811]

Jim Earnest for sure

[@beths3288]

Maybe they should have reconsidered the outfits because, ew. Same at the time. I remember because I was a kid then.

[@mark-dietz]

In that one "screamy" vocal part, Id have believed you if you told me it was a long lost Aerosmith song.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Agreed ! (lol)

[@Paul-dz7xi]

I’m feeling it🤘

[@riclrk9947]

Never liked the Osmonds,but I saw them in later years interviewed.They where asked to sing,after a 4 count they where straight in on cue with perfect harmony and they are musicians too

[@susanfiore5830]

Kinda sounds like you do respect their talent but are afraid to admit it?

[@riclrk9947]

@@susanfiore5830 I respect their musicianship and talent,just not my preference in musical style...

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Wow... The intro I thought that was Uncle Ted performing Great White Buffalo..thanks Fil

[@tolget4684]

Hate comments??? Remember... knowledge is power. Great commentary, FIL.

[@robbiesharp311]

I live in Utah and my brother played with the Osmond in Provo back in the 70s

[@ClownWhisper]

And he admits it?

[@robbiesharp311]

@@ClownWhisper Well not now. He passed away in 2016 but back in the day yes. 😂

[@robbiesharp311]

Believe it or not.... My brothers kids had a "Straight edge" band called "Bring it down" and my cousin is a country singer named "Kevin Sharp" and being a Mormon in Utah the Osmonds were kinda a big thing.......

[@ClownWhisper]

@@robbiesharp311 so sorry to hear that

[@robbiesharp311]

@@ClownWhisper I think the Osmonds put a hit out on my brother for talking smack about their pimp attire. 😂

[@stever.747]

One of my 1st albums I got as a kid. Could almost see Aerosmith doing this one.

[@greenworm7915]

You are blowing me away!! I had the Osmond posters on my bedroom walls and was spinning Phase III like crazy! Then I shocked my mom with Iron Butterfly 😂 I still love revisiting those family harmonies! They have been successful! Great talent and huge family!! Great one Fil👍👍👍

[@Steven-hk2wb]

Sadly, most people only remember the Donny and Marrie show. They don't remember that The Osmonds were a huge superstar rock band before all that TV stuff.

[@camsputer]

Maybe we could learn about john sebastion and the lovin spoonful their guitar playing style was unique.

[@Msterri51]

My favorite Osmond song! Jay and Wayne were underrated singers and Wayne could play a great lead guitar!! Wayne wanted to branch out into more rock music as well !

[@suedu9609]

Wayne was an amazing songwriter and guitarist. I miss him. He is such a nice, and good man.

[@E3ECO]

I'd always heard Donnie was a little bit rock 'n' roll.

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

Donny. Not Donnie.

[@navyskaterdude]

lol

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Marie was a little bit country ;-)

[@LSBBD]

Very little

[@aprils6589]

Jumping in the way back machine!!!! Know what this means - The Jackson Five. Thx Fil

[@NuclearGrizzly]

Bay City Rollers?

[@lancearmor3199]

The way back machine? Now i kno ur same age as me n 👦jimmy, n mr 🐢turtle& the proffessor🎓.not gilligans island🌅

[@aprils6589]

@@lancearmor3199 Wrong time period. The WABAC machine was used by Mr. Peabody, super smart dog and Sherman, his boy, to go back in history. This cartoon was a segment of the rocky and bull winkle which was the best cartoon show ever produced. So sorry, still the older woman in your life. Love ya 🥰

[@aprils6589]

@@lancearmor3199 What day in April were you born?

[@GTsuji]

They were huge in their day. Talented family. Play, sing AND dance!!

[@moorek1967]

A suggestion, Kenny Rogers and First Edition New Zealand concert......I Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).

[@greenworm7915]

moorek1967 Agreed!! They were great! Still love Kenny!

[@veloguy4]

Kenny does spectacular bass work while doing lead vocals

[@robertsmyth4998]

Saw Kenny in Birmingham u k in 1979 opening for Crystal Gayle, both were brilliant.

[@philm.6113]

Something's Burning. Another great one.

[@roman14032]

MORMONS IN PIMP SUITS, thats entertainment meryl should have always been the lead singer

[@fabrisse7469]

He mostly was. This song is the only released Osmonds single that I can think of where he isn't singing lead. Donny's singles were a separate entity.

[@barbadams9438]

Lol

[@oldyellerschannel4676]

I saw the Osmonds in an old video, filmed in black and white, on a Swedish TV show. The Osmonds Sweden Special in 1967. Alan was 17, Wayne was 15, Merrill was 13, Jay was11, and Donny was 9. There are 9 kids in the family. I always knew they were talented singers, able to do amazing harmonies, but they all spoke some Swedish to the audience, pretty fluently at that, they played guitar, one of them did a fantastic drum solo, I think it was Jay, and they ALL played the saxophone! They also play keyboards! The Osmond's two eldest brothers were both deaf, so maybe that incredible talent was one of those little miracles... Two of the boys are deaf, and the rest are able to sing such perfect harmony, and play anything you throw at them! I can't think of any family that has this kind of talent, in almost all of the children, with the range of things they can do, so naturally and so well. Truly gifted.

[@sydneym4340]

You probably already know that they also recorded several songs in Swedish, as well as Japanese and a couple other languages.

[@nursedebbie1332]

Can you imagine having a baby every two years? Burp and Tim are the oldest and they are hearing impaired. The parents were told not to have anymore kids. Thank God they did! I love that they have a strong faith and their morals are impeccable. Hate is putting out a musical about their lives. It will show in England and Canada before the US. I can’t wait to see it!

[@carmensandiego7749]

@@nursedebbie1332 😂🤣 who's Burp and Tim? Their older brothers are Virl and Tom.

[@nursedebbie1332]

@@carmensandiego7749 ~ I’m so sorry. I know Virl & Tom are the two oldest.

[@nursedebbie1332]

@@carmensandiego7749 ~ I really should stay off the commenting when I’m half asleep!🤣

[@maceomaceo11]

To all those mocking the Osmonds, post what you have to offer that rocks as hard as this with lyrical content that will be relevant 50 years from now. I'll wait...

[@nanettebryant7599]

Huge talented family...one of those groups/bands even your grandparents liked..never knew they could rock..thanks for the anaylis 😁

[@anthonypina8034]

I alway enjoy Phil's analyses and this is one of the best and most thorough analyses of a very underappreciated group of musicians. Phil, you really did your homework on this one! Each of the Osmonds were multi-instrumentalists (there are concert videos where Merrill is playhing the drums on Crazy Horses). One of the reasons why the Osmonds were more popular and enduring in the UK is that there first charting UK singles were not the "bubblegum" ones (One Bad Apple and Double Lovin') but were Down By the Lazy River and Crazy Horses, neither of which were bubblegum or Jackson 5-like.

[@MrUfojunkiedavid]

I miss horn sections..Nothing like Lowell George going at it with the Tower of Power horn players. You should definitely do a Lowell George-Little Feat review. Be ready to have your head explode

[@jerryp7721]

Saw a PBS video of more recent Donnie Osmond live in London. Excellent. Multi-talented, very fascinating diverse show. Thanks once again for putting this out, Fil!

[@vincentlok8894]

Don’t forget Donnie had a small revival when he played the lead in the movie/video “Joseph and the amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat”

[@janjones690]

Yes when my coworkers saw Joseph they said Donny sounds amazing I told them I already knew that I've been a fan since I was 12 years old I love all the Osmonds !! 💗

[@480pilot]

Mate! Your running out of air my friend! Great analysis, wonderful commentary! And don't forget, The Osmands' were raised on Vaudeville style.

[@CanadianAmerican]

Hey Fil - Did you know that the Osmond Brothers learned to play almost 30 different instruments? As for their ability to sing, dance and play instruments all at the same time, all you have to do is check out their numerous appearances on The Andy Williams Show .... where you can see them progress with every performance. Oh, but about Merrill's vocal range, his voice was always the highest, so it really isn't a strain for him. To this very day, he still has that awesome range and can still rock out too!

[@7JANEWAY]

What really killed the Osmonds as a serious rock band was 2 things: first, no matter WHAT they put out (like this), they could never shake off the bubblegum moniker (lesson learned: first impressions are hard to get past, and One Bad Apple was bubblegum Jackson 5, complete with childish vocal from Donny); and second, the Donny and Marie show, complete with ice skates and Sid and Marty Krofft puppets. Another thing that hurt them was the fact that they had TOO MUCH talent-ie., everyone had their own style-the group, rock; Donny, bubblegum ballads; Marie, country-that the fact that they didn’t specialize in one sound, hurt them because there was no real focus, so people just didn’t bother with them. It was too much work if you weren’t already a fan to focus on any one part-and that included the brothers’ group. It really is true-too many cooks spoil the soup, and their “soup” was spoiled by their own “too many cooks” variety of talent. I know this aspect has not been brought up before, but I firmly believe that it was an important aspect of their image problem- that sadly is still true today. Thank you for being willing to review the Osmonds. Unfortunately, too many of your peers are probably snickering at this-much to their shame. May I ask if you would review their Crazy Horses album? It was their best, and one I promise you won’t be ashamed to listen to.

[@cs-mh2dh]

Merrill was the lead singer of the Osmonds during the 70's. Merrill was not straining his voice: He had a raspy voice to begin with which is why he was chosen to be the lead singer. Their best times as a band was with Merrill singing because his voice gave the band the rock sound.

[@shyman99]

The single released before this one in 1972 was "Hold Her Tight" which had to be inspired by Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song". Flip the single over and you have a gorgeous ballad called "Love Is". This single really represented just how versatile and talented the group was.

[@Shell6424]

This video is like a shot of Red Bull. I found their performance a lot of fun and thanks for info on the group prior to Donny and Marie.

[@rosey3041]

Merrill was lead singer never Donny,

[@dandare6865]

You are so right "if you couldn't play or sing you wouldn't make it" now look at the state of music..awful.

[@tm1830]

Ah...such a great blast from the past. I was a small child then , but loved the Osmonds. You also mentioned Andy Williams...I’d love your take on his songs/voice as well. 😊

[@jurgenblick5491]

When I was young we called this Bubble Gum music

[@5fingerjack]

I know you are far too young to have lived through this, but it seems like you were there. Bay City Rollers, where are you now?

[@giftedplanksify]

I seen them around 15 years ago they got better on their instruments and stopped their pop image, you wouldn't even recognize them!

[@MovingOndaisy]

David Cassidy too. He had the largest fan club than ANY other performers, including the Beatles and Elvis Presley.... Check it out its fact 👍

[@joycebarber304]

IN DECEMBER THE 24,1975 I WAS 20TH GETTING MARRIED THEN ,I HONESTLY THOUGHT, IT WAS A Mustang, A CAR

[@shilohauraable]

Music was so much fun in the days of the Osmonds (don't forget that Jimmy also joined them!), Jackson 5,Paul Revere & the Raiders, etc. I'm so glad I grew up in the 50s, 60s & 70s. So much history happened. And so many awesome styles of music 🎶!

[@jimmy.r.minnelli]

I don't think Donny ever sang lead for the Osmond Brothers. It was Merrill who usually sang lead. Donny had a separate solo career. He had a few lines (sung high) in a couple of the brothers' songs.

[@sugarsong7]

Jay Osmond wrote the song that's why he had the lead.

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

It's amazing how young and good looking Marie Osmond still is.

[@Tony-5000]

I thought I'd know more about Crazy Horses than you. Again, you proved me dead wrong!👍 You're great Fil.

[@KarlaElaine100]

Wayne, Merrill and Jay wanted to move towards rock instead of pop. Once Donny became a teen idol, that changed everything.

[@sydneym4340]

Yeah, that and the Donny & Marie Show, that had the brothers take a backseat. In spite of that, they never stopped recording. They even made a country music fan out of me when the four original brothers went country in the 80's.

[@shyman99]

I also noticed the video edits. But they also cut the instrumental bridge so the audio isn't complete either. I bought this record in 1972 and it was my first hard rock purchase. Now I have a huge collection of metal recordings. Odd that the Osmonds started it all for me.

[@ScabibbleWilly]

Crazy horses is the worst song ever sang by them, and I love the osmonds. The best song they ever sang was he ain’t heavy he’s my brother. I saw them in Tulane stadium in 75, I was obsessed with them then. Lol. Posters on my wall, etc.

[@Deborahtunes]

The Osmond's wanted to go in a Zeppelin direction, but the powers that be (their parents) said no. Other tracks that were good were *My Drum* and *Hold Her Tight.* These two songs had a harder edged sound similar to *Crazy Horses.* Maybe even more so. I believe if it hadn't been for the *Donny and Marie show,* they probably would have been taken more seriously in the rock world. My oldest sister was a huge fan of the Osmond's, so I grew up hearing them. Now the Bay City Rollers, they were more on the side of cheesy. Although I did like *Money Honey* from them...

[@debbie995]

LOVE Hold her tight! Only the Osmonds could write a Led Zeppelin sounding song and put in a great melody on the chorus :-)

[@Deborahtunes]

@@debbie995 ~ 😁 Yes, it does have a Zeppelin feel, while still sounding like an original song. It's a shame it wasn't a bigger hit for the band...🎶🎸🙂

[@edwardprice140]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaHWmp9saqqUjNE HOLD HER TIGHT

[@Deborahtunes]

@Gary Twitchett ~ I'll have to listen to Bad Finger's track and compare...👍🎶

[@Deborahtunes]

@Gary Twitchett ~ Oh, I see...👍 I was a kid when the BCR were in their (short lived) heyday. Still remember that cheesy variety show they had. Man it was awful...😝😁

[@beatlesfantoo]

Cool video! One of my favorite songs.....too bad they cut the guitar solo very short. Check a different video to hear full solo., this was just a small taste of it.

[@Sunshinegal317]

I believe the Osmonds are such a talented family. I appreciate you breaking down just how talented they truly are. I love the song, Crazy Horses. Thanks for posting this video. 💕

[@puppycat58]

Lots of people still didn't know that they were talking about Air pollution....Osmonds were underrated

[@DontchangemyhandleP]

Thoughtful analysis. For Tweens I remember it being Jackson 5 vs Osmonds (I was more Simon and Garfunkel), similar to Edward vs. Jacob from Twilight. The admirable thing about the Osmonds, and Donny in particular, is that they are unabashedly doing what they please. Marie was on DWTS in 2007 and came in 3rd (her popularity helped). Donny won in 2009 and in 2019 he dressed up as a Peacock to win the Masked Singer. He has dates in Vegas this summer (2021). Rock On!

[@philiphoward1731]

Hey look it’s Uriah Heep🎃🎃🎃💰💰💰🧁🧁🧁

[@rcsproject627]

Wow I have never seen the Osmand Brothers like this. This sounds like old Kiss. Cool to see. Thanks for sharing Fil.

[@kimberlyquintanilla5493]

You should check out their concept album "The Plan". It is a great album that has some of their religious/ life philosophy subtly pushed into it. Even if you're not a Mormon the musicianship is spectacular. One of the best rock albums I've ever heard. I'm an atheist and a lot of the songs are so thinly veiled by their religious insights that it can be taken more as a life philosophy by anyone. I collect vinyl and this is one of my prized records. The last days is crazy good bordering heavy metal. They were world class musicians who their own songs and music.

[@danr5105]

Thanks Fil. I remember The Osmonds as being risk free entertainment (for everyone). I noticed how good and long the brother/sister relationship was between Donny and Marie.

[@NKBobcat]

The Osmonds showed they were rockers with this number and Up the lazy river. Legend says they were hopped up on apple juice at the time. They were pretty strung out at the time, the carbonated stuff with bubbles. 2-3 cases a day. Merrill was mainlining it I heard. Thanks for the history Fil.

[@KimmiePatts]

I always said I was going to be Donny's wife one day. Now it's you. Marry me Fil! 🥰😂

[@Hurricaneintheroom]

Donny Osmund also came out with Soldier of Love. It was introduced by a DJ who asked if anyone knew the name of the singer. It was a surprise to say the least.

[@judyholiday1794]

I won a local radio contest by guessing who the mystery singer was ..As soon as I heard "Soldier of Love. I knew it was Donny,which meant that I had won a copy of his new album..I was a huge Donny & Marie fan as a young girl ..My room was a shrine to Donny,and I felt bad for him that he had to be announced as a mystery singer in order to get his music played during that time in his career comeback..

[@kathenavarro6850]

I knew a son as I heard it too. I also knew the Peacock was Donny! Was talking with a friend and told her that I knew Donny was the Peacock. She said, " How do you KNOW?" I told her after listening to him as much as I did, you just KNOW!

[@anenglishlife7210]

@@kathenavarro6850 agree completely.... when you’ve listened to DONNY a lot, you know every inch , tone and croon... unmistakable is Donny’s voice... superb always.

[@Paul-dz7xi]

Love the scream, gives Paul McCartney a run for his money as best screamer in rock history.

[@denisebohar4338]

I loved the Osmond's also the cowsills were a great family band

[@DJxx57]

I'd love to see an analysis of the Cowsills. I was never a fan as a teen, but as "vintage adult" I'm willing to admit their talent and ability has been very much under-rated.

[@tomroach6275]

Bob, Paul & Susan Cowsill are still rockin to sold out crowds across America and have a new album coming out in 2020. Good rock is good rock, nuf said.

[@robertlawrence492]

Wow, what a blast from the past! Growing up in Salt Lake City, and being the same age as Donny, I'm very familiar with the Osmonds. Love them or hate them, they sounded great, and had a lot of talent. Thanks Fil for this video, and thank you for pointing out the great family dynamics and support they gave each other.

[@bigbow62]

Not the Osmonds I remember ? ? ? .....but like I say Fil always brings us something interesting even though I prefer classic rock I always check what Fil has cooking 😎🎸 So thank you Fil that was different & unique. This just isn't my thing... I can give them credit for a family with lots of talented musicians, writer & singers so I will still give it a 👍 Reguest: The Band playing The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down & The Weight (w/ The Staple Singers ) or The Shape I'm all songs from The Last Waltz concert ! Fil The Band deserves some respect & let the younger generation get a good look and here on of the most underrated band of all-time ! Levon Helm (Drummer/Singer )... heart & soul of The Band was a treasure ( R.I.P )

[@5d512]

Geez, "British Guitarist" / human encyclopedia. And your personal presentation is rock steady (pardon the pun).

[@PK1971PK]

I remember watching them on the Andy Williams show. Their singing talent was obvious. In the early days, Jay was the youngest and would often say something smart alecky and sometimes a camera would catch Andy fake choking him in revenge--pretty funny. Later, Donny came on and took Jay's place as the little smart mouth--then Jimmy toward the end. You're a brave man, Fil! My friends who were classic and prog rock fans would hang you by thumb screws for playing this--bubble gummers "pretending" to be hard rockers. I thought it wasn't half bad--so thanks for being a man after my own heart, who likes a wide variety of music.

[@jacksutherland846]

This is what happens when you give Mormons acid!😬

[@lancearmor3199]

Thanks 4 the laugh!😄Needed it after seein this 💩rott! Scrappin💩 bottom hard with this 1! Is Fill 🙈🙉🙊losn it? Wats next?,Partridge🐦 family?🐦🐒🐒🐒🐒

[@lancearmor3199]

Thanks 4 the laugh! Fill lost his frikn mind!wats next? The🐦Partridge family? Scooby🐕 doo music?Fill has fliped his bloody ☔brit wig!💇👅👎👎👎👎👇👇👇👇🐗🐙🍇🍃🍋🍋

[@jacksutherland846]

@@lancearmor3199 Thanks Lance! They look like a bleached dr Funkenstein and the p funk! Don't they? Freakin hilarious!

[@tonycritcher3419]

Great to hear some positive comments about the Osmonds and their music and talent. Shame that the corny Donny and Marie shows overshadowed the brothers musical career, even though they produced and worked on those shows

[@soundmannh9790]

My older sister had this album when I was at the age of 12. I thought this song was totally hot shit. I still think it's their best song ever.

[@padraiggillon]

The Donny and Marie Show destroyed this band. Most unfortunate.

[@rubywingo6030]

How about the Bee Gees??

[@abc456f]

Second me on that. Legends. Barry Gibb sure could write hits.

[@SamtheMan0508]

He did one on the Bee Gees, but I wouldn't mind more. There's certainly enough material.

[@wingsofpegasus]

They're here somewhere!