The Osmonds singer Alan Osmond dies aged 76

Alan Osmond, the oldest member of family pop group The Osmonds, one of the most successful groups of the 1970s has died, his family has said.

The American singer, 76, who was a creative backbone of the group, co-writing hits including Crazy Horses, and singing on Love Me For A Reason, died on Monday, according to a statement from his brother Merrill.

"I was grateful to be with him shortly before he passed and to share a final meaningful moment together," the statement said. "Alan was a gifted creator, a man of faith, and a deeply loving soul whose life blessed many."

Osmond had battled progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1987, a disease of the central nervous system which affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, causing symptoms like fatigue, numbness, visual issues and walking difficulties, according to the NHS.

His career began in 1958 when he formed a barbershop quartet with his brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay.

They were later joined by younger siblings Donny and Jimmy to form The Osmonds.

The group was eventually discovered by Jay Emerson Williams, father of American singer Andy Williams, and in 1962 they became regular performers on his variety programme The Andy Williams Show, one of the most popular programmes at the time.

The Osmonds regularly featured on the show over a seven-year period, bringing them national fame in the US

In the 1970s, with the arrival of Donny, they became teen idols and shot to fame globally, selling more than 77 million records worldwide, registering five UK top 10 singles, including a number one with Love Me For A Reason, as well as four UK top 10 albums.

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Alan then took charge of the group as its songwriter and composer, producing some of their most popular songs, including One Bad Apple and Down By The Lazy River.

A weekly Saturday-morning cartoon series titled The Osmonds launched on US TV network ABC in 1972, which followed the family around and featured their most popular songs.

The family performed together up until their 50th anniversary in 2007, when Alan and his younger brother Wayne retired due to health issues. Wayne died aged 73 last year.

Alan published his memoir One Way Ticket in 2024. The book follows his journey to international stardom as the leader of The Osmonds and his battle with MS.

He and his wife Julie had eight children together, who followed in the family's footsteps to form The Osmond Boys, also known as the Second Generation.

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