Brothers Jay, Jimmy, Merrill and Alan Osmond recorded their first album in 1963 and have continued to perform since. Although Alan has retired, the other three Osmond men just returned from taking their "brother act" on a tour of the United Kingdom.
At 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, The Ritz Theatre is to host Jay, Jimmy and Merrill for "Christmas with The Osmond Brothers."
Audiences watched the Osmonds grow up on television, most notably on "The Andy Williams Show." The brothers have performed in a variety of venues all over the world.
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Jay, Jimmy and Merrill Osmond are to appear next week at The Ritz Theatre.
"We're putting it all together for the Tiffin show. It will be a real mix of stuff," Jay Osmond said.
He said the brothers drew on many years of experience to combine the elements audiences like best. They are to bring a band to accompany them for a mix of Christmas music and hit songs the group has performed in England, Las Vegas and on cruise ships.
"It's kind of eclectic. It's a really fun show. We worked on it a lot and we're really happy and comfortable with it. The audience has a great time with it. We're going to throw a lot of different things in," Jay said.
Their longevity and popularity has endured because they like working together and love what they do, he said. Their faithful fans have introduced younger generations to the Osmonds' music, so Jay said the show was designed to appeal to all ages.
"Some of the fans have been with us for so many years, and they bring their families and their kids. In the '70s, it was all girls in the audience. Now, it's half and half. They bring their husbands," Jay said. "There's a wide range of ages, so we have to appeal to a large group. That's why the show has everything from rock and roll to country and barbershop. It has instruments, it's got everything."
About a year ago, Jay had an auto accident and injured his arm. Earlier this year, he had major surgery to repair the damage and is still wearing a cast. He said he was worried about a performance they did in Arizona, but he got through it without a hitch.
"I actually did a drum solo with one arm. But the show went so well, I was able to do everything I normally do," Jay said.
The show in Tiffin is to include a few songs from the brothers latest CD, "I Can't Get There Without You," released in September. Jay said they chose songs that best highlight their harmonies.
Siblings Donnie, Marie, Alan and Wayne also sing on some tracks.
The Tiffin show is to have a "Remember Me" segment with Alan, Wayne and Donnie singing in a video. Clips have been incorporated throughout the performance.
"Walt Disney was really who started us in show business. He groomed us and put us on his television shows," Jay said.
After that, Andy Williams mentored the Osmonds, followed by Jerry Lewis. The siblings went on their own in the 1970s. At the time, Elvis Presley convinced the four brothers to wear jumpsuits in different colors - green, purple, red and black.
Not long after, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made their debut wearing the same colors as the brothers.
During the 1970s and '80s, the Osmonds performed at many Ohio fairs and built a large audience in Ohio.
"I love Ohio. We were there (at The Ritz) not too long ago. I love that area. We have some wonderful fans up there. Ohio's been really good to our family," Jay said.
Although he calls entertainment a "crazy business," he credited his parents for keeping the family grounded. When the brothers earned their first gold record, Mom and Dad brought them back to earth.
"They said 'That's great. Now go take the garbage out,'" Jay recalled. "You can get kind of goofy, if you're not careful, in this business."
He said the family's Mormon faith has been an important factor in their lives. Christian values have guided their careers. They especially enjoy Christmas time with its elements of faith, fun and family.
The family's success in the entertainment world has come with its share of challenges. Jay pointed out the business side of what they do. If a performer is ill, he still must go out and entertain the audience as usual. The patrons have bought tickets and expect a good show.
"We've always believed it's important for people, when they leave, to feel lifted. That's our goal," Jay said.
Ticket prices range from $2 to $65. For tickets and information stop at the box office, 30 S. Washington St., visit www.ritztheatre.org or call (419) 448-8544.
