Osmonds evening of entertainment
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TWO of one of the world’s most enduring pop group families The Osmond Brothers have stunned worshippers with a visit in Runcorn.
Merrill and Jay Osmond were greeted by a capacity crowd of 250 at The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints on Clifton Road for an evening of music, singing and chat. The Osmonds have been entertaining audiences around the world for over six decades and their trip to Runcorn was a chance share stories about their lives and careers as entertainers and the role faith has played.
Members of the audience were given the opportunity to ask questions about their childhood, and found out how Elvis Presley would regularly ‘ phone their home and how Paul McCartney had given them important advice as they learned to adapt to life in the spotlight.
Irene Ireland, from the church, said: “Most moving were the stories they shared about the tremendous example their parents were to them as they grew up and how the love and compassion their mother had for others equipped the whole fam- ily to deal with the pressures and demands of stardom and the music industry.
“Jay’s wife Karen added to the evening as she shared the story of how she first met Jay following their initial contact via a dating website and how she adjusted to life as an Osmond. It really was a very special evening – nobody could fail to be affected by the genuine warmth the brothers had for each other and, as they mixed with members of the audience, shaking hands and bantering, we felt the same way too.”
Jay said: “It was wonderful to see so many people here and for us to have the opportunity to share with them just how important our faith is to us and how it has helped strengthen our family over the years.”
His brother Merrill added: “We’ve been performing as a family for over 60 years and have visited the UK many times.
“This is a very special place for us and we have some treasured memories of the love and support we always receive here.
“I hope those who came here tonight left knowing a little bit more about what it was like for us growing up in the spotlight and how important our faith and the love and example of our dear parents are to us.;”