Authentic icon
Marie Osmond talks about Wind Creek show, stardom at a young age and who made her star-struck
Now in her sixth decade as a multitalented artist and performer, Marie Osmond is showing no signs of slowing down. Her latest album, 2021’s “Unexpected,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart. An album that showcases Osmond’s versatility in performing everything from opera to The Great American Songbook.
Osmond first rose to fame in 1973 at the tender age of 12 with the release of her debut album, “Paper Roses.” Three years later she would find herself, along with brother Donny, as co-hosts of one of the most popular variety shows in television history, “Donny & Marie.”
Osmond is currently performing a small run of shows, which includes a stop at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem on Friday. Longtime fans can expect to hear many of the songs and stories that made Osmond one of the most iconic artists in the world.
In addition to these select run of shows, Osmond is also planning to join in the 40th anniversary celebration of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which to date has raised more than $8 billion for children. Osmond is one of the co-founders of the nonprofit organization.
I recently spoke with Marie Osmond about her upcoming show in Bethlehem, her career and more in this exclusive interview.
Q: What can fans expect from your performance at the Wind Creek Event Center? Osmond:
You’ll get to see six decades of my career along with multiple singing styles and genre performances with my fantastic band. There will also be lots of video and interaction with the audience. David Osmond will also be there, who’s a phenomenal entertainer. I had him perform in my Christmas shows. His story is unbelievable. I really enjoy these shows and think it’s a good time for people to get out and live again. It’s a fun show and I think people are going to have a really good time.
Q: This year marks the 50th anniversary of your debut album, “Paper Roses.” When you look back now with so much perspective, what thoughts come to mind? A:
The way that it happened was an incredible experience. At the time, Donny started to lose his singing voice, so I would sing the high parts on the records. That’s where the label discovered I could sing and how I got the deal to do my first album. I knew I had a really good shot if I sang pop because of my brother’s connections, but I was raised to be authentic and just loved country music. I remember going to Nashville to record when I was about 12 and a half. It was so amazing to have Sonny James and The Jordanaires, who sang all of the backgrounds for Elvis. The whole band was live and everything was done in one take.
Q: Did you feel a sense pressure of having to do well at such a young age? A:
There was always pressure but there was also the challenge and encouragement to be the best you could be. At the time, I had been studying the fashion industry and secretarial and doing box office with my mom. I remember thinking that if I’m going to do this, I would try to do it well. Even with my current album, “Unexpected,” which debuted at number one, which was something I never expected to happen. I did it to push myself to sing opera, legit soprano, and The Great American Songbook. My parents, more than anything, were the ones who encouraged me to not be afraid to fail, to keep trying and to always be passionate. That’s what’s carried me through my career.
Q: You’ve worked with so many legends over the course of your career. Did you ever find yourself star-struck at any time? A:
I don’t think I was ever starstruck but I do remember having this crazy infatuation with Michael McDonald. I remember being at a party and he invited me to sing background on one