The Osmonds these days are all about the three S's: singing, selling, sowing.
One would think middle age would be a time to reap. But the Utah-born performers continue to immerse themselves in myriad business ventures, music and raising another generation of Osmonds.
"There's a song, 'We are the World.' We're trying to fill it," Alan Osmond said. "We have our hand in a lot of different things."
The year 2007 will mark the 50th year in show business for the original Osmond Brothers. They have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Next year is the 25th anniversary of Alan Osmond's "Stadium of Fire." He'd like to get the entire family together for the anniversary show. But his brothers and sister say given their career demands, that would be difficult.
The aging Osmonds — the oldest performing brother is 55, the youngest 41 — have traveled many directions, but all paths lead back to Utah Valley. Eight of the nine children of George and the late Olive Osmond live in Utah, and seven live in Utah Valley. Jimmy lives in Branson, Mo., but is building a house in Park City.
Some of the Osmonds stick to the tried and true, while others are trying something new. They have endured financial trouble, illness, bad press and no press. But they have succeeded in the music industry despite being told early on they would neve make it because they are too clean cut.
"The best thing to do is always be yourself," Alan Osmond said.
All sorts of ailments have beset the family. Tom and Virl, the oldest brothers who don't perform, were born hearing impaired. Alan has multiple sclerosis, Merrill has diabetes, Wayne suffered a brain tumor, Donny dealt with panic attacks and Marie had suffered postpartum depression.
See accompanying stories to take a look at what "America's favorite entertainment family," as they like to call themselves, is up to.
E-mail: romboy@desnews.com