Donny Osmond’s journey in the entertainment world began incredibly early. At just five years old, he stepped onto the stage of The Andy Williams Show, a moment that would unknowingly set the course for an extraordinary career. As Donny himself recalled during an Entertainment Tonight retrospective, that debut was the start of a wild ride. He was captivated by the cameras and the excitement, declaring even then, “I’ve got to do this the rest of my life. This is awesome!”
Decades later, Donny Osmond has more than kept his word. From global tours with his brothers in The Osmonds to co-hosting the beloved Donny & Marie show with his sister Marie Osmond, and starring in Broadway hits like Disney’s Beauty & the Beast and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, his resume is a testament to his enduring talent and relentless work ethic. His career is punctuated by memorable Donny Osmond Songs that have resonated with generations.
Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson triumphantly hold the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ trophy in 2009, a testament to his versatility and dedication.
Beyond his musical performances with siblings and on stage, Donny Osmond’s versatility shone brightly in reality television. He captivated audiences as the runner-up on the debut season of The Masked Singer and claimed victory on Dancing With the Stars Season 9 with partner Kym Johnson. Reflecting on his Dancing With the Stars experience, Donny admitted to the sheer hard work involved, even enduring injuries like a fractured rib, broken toe, and fused neck. This dedication underscores his commitment to every performance, whether singing Donny Osmond songs or mastering intricate dance routines.
However, the path to success wasn’t always smooth. The early 1980s presented challenges, particularly after his Broadway lead in Little Johnny Jones closed abruptly after its premiere. Donny Osmond’s name, once synonymous with youthful stardom, became a punchline. Recognizing the need for reinvention, he even sought advice from Michael Jackson. The King of Pop suggested a drastic measure: changing his name to escape the perceived “poisoned” brand. While initially taken aback, Donny understood the core message – he needed to redefine his image and reconnect with audiences through his music.
Donny Osmond in 1973, showcasing his musical talent early in his impressive career.
Instead of a name change, Donny Osmond opted for a strategic release of his 1989 solo single, “Soldier of Love,” under the guise of a “mystery singer.” This clever approach allowed the music to speak for itself, free from pre-conceived notions. The result was a resounding success. “Soldier of Love” became a No. 2 hit and is now considered one of the essential Donny Osmond songs, proving his ability to adapt and innovate in the ever-changing music landscape. As Donny shared, “Nothing was working… and then the song became the number one requested record in New York City – but nobody knew it was me!”
Today, Donny Osmond continues to surprise and delight audiences. His Las Vegas residency show features a 10-minute rap summarizing his six decades in show business, a testament to his willingness to embrace new styles and connect with contemporary audiences. This unexpected musical turn has been a hit, allowing him to condense his vast career into an engaging 90-minute performance. And for fans across the country, Donny is taking his residency show on the road, proving that even after sixty years, his passion for performing and creating memorable Donny Osmond songs remains stronger than ever.
Donny Osmond in 2023, still captivating audiences with his dynamic performances and timeless appeal.
Donny credits his enduring work ethic to his father, a value that has enabled him to maintain a demanding schedule at 66 years old. His commitment to giving 110% on stage stems from a desire to exceed audience expectations. While he might have anticipated slowing down at this stage in his career, Donny Osmond finds himself working harder and enjoying it more than ever, continuing to add to his impressive catalog of Donny Osmond songs.
13 Top Donny Osmond Songs: A Ranked List
To celebrate Donny Osmond’s remarkable six-decade career, we present a countdown of 13 of his best Donny Osmond songs. This list showcases the breadth and depth of his musical talent, from his early teen idol hits to his later career reinventions. Prepare to rediscover or perhaps discover for the first time, the magic of Donny Osmond’s music.
13. “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” (2004): A Disney Soundtrack Gem
While not a chart-topping single, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Disney’s Mulan soundtrack holds a special place in the hearts of Donny Osmond fans and Disney enthusiasts alike. Donny himself considers this track a career highlight, recalling the premiere at the Hollywood Bowl as a significant “peak” in his journey. Paste Magazine praised the song as a “catchy, compelling bop” with “dramatic lyrics, an infectious tune, terrific sound and spot-on vocal delivery.” This Donny Osmond song showcases his vocal versatility and ability to connect with a new generation through animation.
12. “My Love Is a Fire” (1990): Embracing Dance-Pop
Released as the lead single from his 1990 album Eyes Don’t Lie, “My Love Is a Fire” marked Donny Osmond’s foray into the dance-pop genre. This upbeat love song reached No. 21 on the charts, demonstrating his willingness to adapt to contemporary musical trends. The lyrics, “I’m up to the challenge, and I’m willing to fight,” resonate with Donny’s persistent approach to his entire career, consistently reinventing himself and embracing new challenges within the realm of Donny Osmond songs.
11. “I’ll Be Good to You” (1989): Romantic Balladry
From his self-titled 1989 album, “I’ll Be Good to You” is a tender and romantic ballad that highlights Donny Osmond’s emotional vocal delivery. The single climbed to No. 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart, showcasing his appeal to a mature audience. This Donny Osmond song reflects his move towards a more contemporary rock sound, a shift he discussed on Good Morning America, stating, “I’ve got to really stretch and make some changes.”
10. “The Twelfth of Never” (1973): A Johnny Mathis Classic Reimagined
Donny Osmond put his own stamp on this Johnny Mathis classic, delivering a pure and heartfelt vocal performance that propelled it to No. 8 on the charts. “The Twelfth of Never” became a gold-certified hit and remains a beloved Donny Osmond song. Donny has mentioned it as his “favorite” recording from his early career, emphasizing his ability to interpret and elevate timeless melodies.
9. “Why” (1972): Revisiting a Frankie Avalon Hit
Another successful cover, Donny Osmond’s rendition of Frankie Avalon’s 1959 No. 1 hit “Why” reached No. 13 on the charts in 1972. This Donny Osmond song demonstrates his knack for selecting and revitalizing classic songs for a new generation. The enduring lyrics, “I’ll never let you go. Why? Because I love you,” clearly resonated with audiences, solidifying Donny’s endearing persona.
8. “Sweet and Innocent” (1971): Solo Debut with a Twist
While recorded with his brothers, “Sweet and Innocent” was promoted as Donny Osmond’s first official solo single, reaching No. 7 on the charts. This Donny Osmond song is a modernized and tweaked version of Roy Orbison’s 1958 release, tailored for a younger audience. SPIN Magazine notes that it “captures Donny at his boyish best with soaring vocals,” backed by contemporary boogie and soul sounds, bridging musical styles for a wider appeal.
7. “Who” (2021): Catchy Contemporary Sound
From his 65th album, Start Again, “Who” showcases Donny Osmond’s ability to stay relevant and create catchy contemporary music. He opens his shows with “Soldier of Love” and transitions directly into “Who,” highlighting its energetic and engaging nature. The anecdote of young fans recognizing and singing “Who” to him in a restaurant underscores its cross-generational appeal and the continued evolution of Donny Osmond songs.
6. “Sacred Emotion” (1989): Sensual and Slick
“Sacred Emotion,” another hit from his 1989 self-titled album, reached No. 13 and is known for its romantic lyrics and slick, sensual music video. This Donny Osmond song marked a significant milestone as Michael Bay’s first major project after film school. Donny’s humorous reference to commission checks from Bay’s blockbuster films adds a lighthearted touch to the song’s legacy.
5. “Too Young” (1972): Nat King Cole Classic for a New Generation
Donny Osmond once again found success with a remake, this time Nat King Cole’s 1951 chart-topper “Too Young,” which reached the top of the charts. Released when Donny was just 14, this Donny Osmond song highlights his precocious talent and ability to connect with audiences despite his young age, already a seasoned entertainer with nine years in the industry.
4. “Hey Girl” (1971): Goffin-King Magic
Penned by the legendary songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King, “Hey Girl” was initially a hit for Freddie Scott in 1964. Donny Osmond’s version re-entered the charts and landed at No. 13, proving the timeless quality of this song. Even Billy Joel covered “Hey Girl,” including it on his Greatest Hits Volume III album, further cementing its status as a classic and a standout among Donny Osmond songs.
3. “Soldier of Love” (1988): The Comeback Anthem
“Soldier of Love” is more than just a hit song; it’s a career-defining moment. This No. 2 hit revitalized Donny Osmond’s career and reintroduced him to a new generation of fans. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s studios in England, with some input from Gabriel himself, this Donny Osmond song showcased a contemporary sound and marked a bold reinvention. Donny considers it the song that “catapulted me back into the business,” a testament to its transformative power.
2. “Puppy Love” (1972): Teen Idol Sensation
“Puppy Love” is arguably the quintessential Donny Osmond song from his teen idol era. Written by Paul Anka about his crush on Annette Funicello, Donny’s live performances of “Puppy Love” were grand productions with a full orchestra. Reaching No. 3 on the charts, it became an anthem for young love and solidified Donny’s status as a teen heartthrob. Despite famously forgetting the lyrics during his first live performance, the audience’s enthusiastic screams drowned out any mistakes, highlighting the song’s immense popularity.
1. “Go Away Little Girl” (1971): The Number One Smash
Topping our list of Donny Osmond songs is “Go Away Little Girl.” Another gem from Goffin and King, this song had been previously recorded by Bobby Vee, Steve Lawrence, and The Happenings. Donny Osmond’s version, however, soared to No. 1, matching Steve Lawrence’s success. Despite hits like “Puppy Love” and “The Twelfth of Never,” Donny acknowledges “Go Away Little Girl” as his biggest chart success. He reflects on his youthful naiveté at the time, not fully grasping the magnitude of a No. 1 record, but recognizing its ultimate significance in his impressive career of Donny Osmond songs.
Explore more about the world of music!
Deal of the Day
Keep Food Fresher for Longer With the Shelfy Smart Refrigerator Device — 17% off Right Now! View Deal
