Like apple pie, buffets, and rooting against the Yankees, the Osmonds are an American tradition. Over the years, they have wooed Mormons, atheists, and pagans alike with their soft spoken message and catchy, melodic rhythms. During the 1970s, they polarized audiences; some idolizing their sweet attitudes, some repulsed by their preachy ways. Still they persevered with a replenishing strength known only to cockroaches and Sonny Bono (wait…not Sonny Bono). Now PBS is ready to honor their five decades of service to the cultural lexicon by giving them their own Vegas special. It’s really quite fitting; no city better represents the Osmonds than the former Mob Mecca of gambling, prostitution, and Celine Dion.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Donny, Marie, Merrill, Jimmy, Jay, Wayne, and Alan will all contribute performances over two days in mid-August (No word on whether older brother Virl will be in attendance). PBS will tape the entire extravaganza and air it in March of ’08. Over the last five decades, the Osmond family has recorded over 140 albums, starred in their own variety show, and stayed a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll.
I’m not exactly the world’s biggest Osmond family supporter; however, it is a refreshing sight to see a clan go through the ups and downs of recording careers and still support one another, while staying honest and true to whatever they think is right. So get your book or Mormon out and join me in a salute to everyone’s favorite Church of Latter Day Saints members.
