Donny Osmond Thrills Fans With Throwback Pic In Honor Of Brother Jay’s Birthday
Donny Osmond thrilled fans by posting a throwback image to Instagram in honor of big brother Jay Osmond’s birthday. The retro photo was taken during the heydey of the Osmond Family’s reign on the pop music charts, and Donny used it to illustrate the close bond the brothers continue to share to this day.
In the photo’s caption, Donny shared that Jay has been “my hero.”
The undated photo shows the brothers looking away from the camera. Taken from the waist up, Donny is seen wearing one of the infamous white jumpsuits he sported on tour with the Osmond Brothers in the 1970s. The garment was dotted with lots of studs and sequins so Donny would sparkle on stage while singing to the group’s screaming teenage fans.
Tied around Donny’s neck is a purple scarf. The color, a known talisman for the entertainer, was also the hue fans wore to show their support for him during shows and for years thereafter.
In fact, the legendary performer once revealed in an interview with Tulsa World that he initially wore the color on his socks so that fans could identify him when the brothers performed since they were all dressed the same. He said he stopped wearing the socks around the age of 21 or 22.
Jay is seen wearing a black sparkly jumpsuit with a puka shell necklace around his neck. That accessory was a big fashion statement in the ’70s.
As for the overall ensembles the family wore — including brothers Alan, Wayne, and Merrill — they were inspired by none other than Elvis Presley, who wore those types of costumes in his Las Vegas stage shows during the same period, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Fans of the brothers were thrilled by the Instagram image, a throwback to a time when they likely had posters of the twosome and their family on their bedroom walls and listened to their music on vinyl albums. Followers shared their own well-wishes in the comments section of the post.
“Wonderful photo. Happy Birthday, Jay. Not only the best drummer ever..but one of the kindest men I have ever met & I love the love you have for all your siblings,” remarked one follower.
“Awh that’s respect such an amazing family happy bday Jay,” said a second fan.
“Happy birthday to Jay! Another throwback picture to enjoy! I love the genuine love your family has for each other! It radiates off of all of you!” noted a third admirer of the clan.
Donny and Jay were always extraordinarily close, although they did not truly bond until Donny joined the family band as a young child. Prior to this, Jay toured with his older brothers as part of a barbershop quartet that got their big break when they were featured on The Andy Williams Show, and was rarely at home with younger siblings Donny, Marie, and Jimmy Osmond.
Jay also has the distinction of introducing Donny to his wife of 42 years, Debbie, who initially dated Jay before Donny won her over. The couple married in 1978.
