Donny Osmond discusses his career in music and TV, challenges, comeback inspired by Peter Gabriel, relationships, loneliness in fame, and reflections on personal and public perceptions. He also explores the significance of genuine connections in today's world and the balance between authenticity and commercial success.
Donny Osmond emphasizes the importance of trust in his long-lasting marriage, highlighting regular communication and shared values.
Donny Osmond shares insights on prudent financial management, emphasizing diversification, savings for future generations, and active involvement in investment decisions.
Donny Osmond reflects on the influence of barbershop harmonies on his music career and the importance of authentic voice and pitch training.
Donny Osmond values the intrinsic rewards of fame through connecting with fans and performing live music, emphasizing the joy of pursuing his passion.
Donny Osmond discusses the challenges of public scrutiny and evolving perceptions, highlighting the impact of parental influence and good representation in the music industry.
Deep dives
Early Musical Training And Foundation
Donnie Osmond began his music career at a young age, with formal training starting at four and going professional at just five years old. By seven, he was an established band member, and by 12, he had his first recording experience. Harmony was ingrained early on due to barbershop influences, setting the foundation for his future musical ventures.
Personal Reservations and Challenges in the Industry
Despite his early success and musical talent, Donnie expressed internal conflicts, such as a desire to stay away from the limelight, as evident in a letter he wrote to his mom while on tour. The pressure of constant touring and performing at a young age led to moments of resistance to the demanding schedule.
Importance of Trust in Marriage
Donnie emphasized the crucial role of trust in his nearly 50-year marriage to Debbie. Regular communication, daily contact via various means like phone calls and FaceTime, and adherence to shared values and beliefs have strengthened their bond and allowed them to weather the challenges of being apart due to his music career.
Financial Responsibility and Investments
Donnie highlighted his financial prudence and investment strategies, including a collaborative approach with a trusted team. He shared insights on diversifying investments between equities and other assets, prioritizing savings for future generations, and staying actively involved in financial decisions despite having professional support.
Training Foundation with Modern Harmonies and Real Voice
Donnie Osmond discusses his training foundation in barbershop harmonies translating into modern harmonies. He admires artists like Jacob Collier for their harmonic innovations and strives to use his voice authentically without excessive auto-tune. His experiences with complex harmonies on stage highlighted the significance of pitch and ear training.
Perks of Fame Beyond Material Comforts
Donnie Osmond reflects on the perks of fame beyond material benefits, emphasizing the joy of performing music for adoring audiences. He values the experience of creating music and the thrill of connecting with fans through live performances, underscoring the intrinsic rewards of being on stage and pursuing his passion for music.
Navigating Fame and Public Perception
Donnie Osmond shares insights on dealing with public scrutiny and evolving public perceptions over time. He discusses how negative perceptions in his later years made him consider hiding due to derogatory comments, contrasting with his earlier experiences of embracing fame and the opportunities it brought.
Family Dynamics and Managerial Influence
Donnie Osmond reflects on family dynamics in the music industry, highlighting the role of his father as a manager and the challenges of maintaining control over financial matters. He acknowledges the impact of parental influence and managerial decisions on his career trajectory, emphasizing the importance of good representation in navigating the industry.
Education and Career Evolution
Donnie Osmond discusses his unconventional education through correspondence courses and highlights the impact of his diverse career experiences on personal growth. He emphasizes the significance of adapting to new challenges, such as transitioning between music genres and exploring various creative opportunities to evolve as an artist.
Balancing Artistic Integrity and Audience Engagement
Donnie Osmond explores the balance between maintaining artistic integrity and engaging with audiences through diverse projects. He discusses his approach to challenging himself as an artist, seeking opportunities that push creative boundaries while resonating with listeners. His commitment to authenticity and continuous reinvention underscores his artistic journey and dedication to his craft.
You'll like Donny Osmond after listening to this podcast, he's definitely not a bad apple! We talk about growing up in Southern California, the Osmonds, the Donny & Marie TV show, as well as Vegas and his new album. Donny talks about being broke and needing to resuscitate his career, he's fully aware of his public image. And who inspired his comeback, none other than PETER GABRIEL!