The Osmonds: The Official Story of the Osmond Family

by Paul H. Dunn

Vintage biography paperback

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Born in Provo, Utah to Joshua Harold Dunn and Geneve Roberts, Dunn was baptized a member of the LDS Church at the age of eight. Dunn earned a bachelor's degree from Chapman College in 1953 and a master's and a doctorate degree in educational administration from the University of Southern California.

Dunn began his long career of full-time service in the LDS Church in 1952 as a seminary teacher for the Church Educational System in Los Angeles. On April 6, 1964, church president David O. McKay asked Dunn to join the First Council of the Seventy and to become a general authority of the LDS Church. While in this position, Dunn was the president of the church's New England Mission from 1968 to 1971.

In 1976, Dunn became a member of the newly constituted First Quorum of the Seventy. He remained as a member of this quorum until he received general authority emeritus status on October 1, 1989. Additionally, Dunn served as one of the seven Presidents of the Seventy from 1976 to 1980. Dunn wrote over 50 books during his time as a general authority.

Dunn married Jeanne Alice Cheverton on February 27, 1946; they were the parents of three daughters. Dunn was named Utah’s Father of the Year in 1972. He died of cardiac arrest in Salt Lake City while recovering from back surgery in 1998.

Reviews

[Leila Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read this book years ago and thought I would reread it. The book is surprisingly good. It amazes me how a group can remain so together in such a cutthroat business, yet this family has throughout the years. It was interesting to read each family member's thoughts from so long ago.

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good biography of one of the most popular music groups of the 60s, 70s and even to today written by a good friend of their family as they grew up. Paul H. Dunn, who was asked to write this "The Official Story of the Osmonda Family" as the subtitle reads, is also a leader in the LDS Church. This book was published in 1975 so a great deal happened with the Osmonds and especially with Donnie and Marie after its publication.I especially enjoyed the pictures which are scattered throughout the book.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hah! My friend Jenny recently reminded me of this book and I had to laugh because it was my absolute FAVORITE as a child! I loved all things Osmond and I remember reading it cover to cover many times. Of course, I have no memory of content. I don't even remember a single detail. Just loooved those Osmonds!

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this over and over as a kid... It was a fun reminder when I saw this recently. Good book and good memories.

[Andrea Trevino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Donny osmond because he is so cute.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST GREAT!!

I loved it, in fact, I think every fan NEEDS to get their hands on this!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this over and over as a teenager, especially the Donny chapter.:) There are even pictures.

[Dustin]

Via Amazon:

This book contains the true story of a remarkable family and group of entertainers. The author has captured the fun and the fascination of show business, along with its more serious moments, as these have made their impact upon this family. There emerges a heart-warming, intensely readable account of the Osmonds' route to success, from the earliest beginnings to current days of multiple gold-record status and international fame. Accompanied by many photographs.

I'm not really a fan of the Osmonds, but it's occurred to me that I know nothing about them, their rise to fame, etc... I want to know more.