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Black Bear: My Life Story
"You're the peacemaker of the family. Keep everybody happy," his father whispered from his deathbed. For Merrill Osmond - the voice behind The Osmonds' most iconic hits - that role shaped his extraordinary life both on and off stage.
In this intimate memoir, Merrill invites readers behind the velvet rope of fame to experience the highs and lows of life as an Osmond. From performing for the Queen and meeting Elvis, to battling personal demons, from navigating family dynamics to finding spiritual purpose, Merrill's journey transcends the typical charity narrative.
Full of never-before-told anecdotes and insights from six decades in entertainment, Black Bear offers a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and finding peace, even when the show must go on.
In this intimate memoir, Merrill invites readers behind the velvet rope of fame to experience the highs and lows of life as an Osmond. From performing for the Queen and meeting Elvis, to battling personal demons, from navigating family dynamics to finding spiritual purpose, Merrill's journey transcends the typical charity narrative.
Full of never-before-told anecdotes and insights from six decades in entertainment, Black Bear offers a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and finding peace, even when the show must go on.
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Published August 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 7, 2025
I am reading Merrill's latest book, Black Bear. Throughout the time it took me to read this, I felt as if I had something in my eye. I found myself, and this is a first, writing copious notes because there were so many words he wrote that I needed to remember.
The first page, the very beginning, the reader can feel the atmosphere of him recounting the early days. It gave me chills. He wonders why people want to come and see him. Let me say, here and now, why wouldn't people want to? Merrill was the second Osmond I saw.
A few pages further on and he writes about the 'spirit whispers'. I knew immediately what he meant. Throughout this book he writes so many words of wisdom.
Merrill talks about Father Osmond and there are a few similarities that reflect my own father. They come from similar backgrounds and both were wanting " to build a comfortable secure future for his family".
He obviously talks about his mother and again, I see similarities with mine. He writes about Olive loving his father, "loved him enough to take care of him." I see both of mine in this statement and it makes me feel connected.
There are many things Merrill reflects on in this book that I know many people will connect with which will deepen the connection. Behind the magic of the on-stage action, there is often 'stuff'.
This book would be incomplete if their album, The Plan, didn't get a mention. I hope that at least some people in the industry read this book and decide to explore this album as it deserves it.
Merrill continues to talk about the fan/group connection, writing on page 69, it, "wasn't just applause or admiration, it was something deeper". This remains the legacy and really comes through in this book. On page 123, Merrill writes that the chance of seeing them all together on stage won't happen. This is the reason and the "something deeper" that I attended 3 50th Anniversary concerts in the UK.
Merrill covers the good times, bad times, surprises and the stories that are familiar. It's a very easy read with a gentle pace to it, which reflects Merrill himself.
In conclusion, this autobiography gives you everything and more. He hasn't shied away from anything. On page 199 he writes, "I hope I've promoted some healing of a different sort. " A few years ago, I don't remember when, I was able to share a quiet moment with him and he said he would never forget what I told him about what happened after the 50th concerts for me but what I said to Merrill stays with Merrill. During the singing of Friends in these shows, I always found myself in tears. I can't explain it but we, the fans, knew that The Osmonds knew that we knew and felt this 'something deeper' that Merrill talks about. To quote from the song, "I'm so glad I've stayed right here with you, through the years." These words speak for themselves and Merrill can be assured he did "healing of a different sort. "
I hope everyone else will also feel some healing or get some help from reading this book.
The first page, the very beginning, the reader can feel the atmosphere of him recounting the early days. It gave me chills. He wonders why people want to come and see him. Let me say, here and now, why wouldn't people want to? Merrill was the second Osmond I saw.
A few pages further on and he writes about the 'spirit whispers'. I knew immediately what he meant. Throughout this book he writes so many words of wisdom.
Merrill talks about Father Osmond and there are a few similarities that reflect my own father. They come from similar backgrounds and both were wanting " to build a comfortable secure future for his family".
He obviously talks about his mother and again, I see similarities with mine. He writes about Olive loving his father, "loved him enough to take care of him." I see both of mine in this statement and it makes me feel connected.
There are many things Merrill reflects on in this book that I know many people will connect with which will deepen the connection. Behind the magic of the on-stage action, there is often 'stuff'.
This book would be incomplete if their album, The Plan, didn't get a mention. I hope that at least some people in the industry read this book and decide to explore this album as it deserves it.
Merrill continues to talk about the fan/group connection, writing on page 69, it, "wasn't just applause or admiration, it was something deeper". This remains the legacy and really comes through in this book. On page 123, Merrill writes that the chance of seeing them all together on stage won't happen. This is the reason and the "something deeper" that I attended 3 50th Anniversary concerts in the UK.
Merrill covers the good times, bad times, surprises and the stories that are familiar. It's a very easy read with a gentle pace to it, which reflects Merrill himself.
In conclusion, this autobiography gives you everything and more. He hasn't shied away from anything. On page 199 he writes, "I hope I've promoted some healing of a different sort. " A few years ago, I don't remember when, I was able to share a quiet moment with him and he said he would never forget what I told him about what happened after the 50th concerts for me but what I said to Merrill stays with Merrill. During the singing of Friends in these shows, I always found myself in tears. I can't explain it but we, the fans, knew that The Osmonds knew that we knew and felt this 'something deeper' that Merrill talks about. To quote from the song, "I'm so glad I've stayed right here with you, through the years." These words speak for themselves and Merrill can be assured he did "healing of a different sort. "
I hope everyone else will also feel some healing or get some help from reading this book.
August 25, 2025
When you grow up in the spotlight, many assume they know you, and everything about you. This book proves the opposite! Written with absolute integrity, and from the heart of the man who stood centre stage as lead singer of The Osmond Family, it is literally a page turner. It takes the reader on a journey of joy, laughter, sadness, and has some shocking revelations in there too. It's an emotional roller coaster. Merrill has shared his incredible life in the pages of this book, and he is a true wordsmith.
August 25, 2025
I found this to be an uplifting read about Merrill Osmond's upbringing and trip through life. I am a fan of the Osmonds, and I always thought they had a very wonderful life and not swayed by their celebrity status. It seems the family was always supportive of each other, and this was not a family who would fall by the wayside. But, it turns out that they are "normal" with issues that every other person in this world faces.
I appreciate Merrill opening up in this book to his failures and feelings. I also appreciate that this was not a tell-all book! And, I love that Merrill kept his faith. Thank you for telling your story!
I appreciate Merrill opening up in this book to his failures and feelings. I also appreciate that this was not a tell-all book! And, I love that Merrill kept his faith. Thank you for telling your story!
August 25, 2025
I have just finished reading the book in which I found uplifting and emotional all at the same time but I also felt very connected to him and like most I have spent a lot of time going to see him and listening to him singing and listening to his story’s he has told us in the past which are also in the book so I know he is speaking from the heart you can feel his love and kindness through this book. If you want to get to know the real Merrill and read about him then this is the book to read. You won’t put it down until you have read it. It’s also a good quality book with a nice size print.
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like he was opening his heart to me. Once I started reading I just wanted to continue reading. It made me cry It made me smile. A very special memour.
August 26, 2025
When you meet Merrill, he greets you with a warmth, openess and words that leave you with an everlasting impression of a genuine, wise and caring soul. His book, Black Bear, My Life Story does that too. Wonderfully written it draws you in from the first page to the last. I couldn't stop reading. He writes about his experiences good and bad with honesty and sincerity. There are surprises in there which will melt peoples' hearts. The book is beautifully presented with a smart hardback cover and nice size print. There are some contributions from family and other artists, and a section with lovely family and personal photos too. It is fascinating to read, in Merrill's own words, the journey he has been on and his openness to share this with all of us in a bold and beautiful way. Merrill has said that writing the book was therapy for him and having read the book, I feel it provides wisdom and healing for the reader too. I wish Merrill every success with his book. It was an incredible read.
August 25, 2025
Merrill Osmond's Black Bear Life Story is such an enjoyable and riveting read. I simply couldn't put the book down. It is written from the heart and in many places Merrill exposes his true sensitivity. A lot of the stories we already knew as he has spoken about these in various interviews but there are some new quite shocking revelations that even the most die hard fans didn't know. He really has had a full lifetime of varied experiences in the showbusiness world and personally. It is obvious that a lot of thought has gone into this book as every detail is covered. Merrill's true personality shines through as not only a showman but as a humble, generous, compassionate, spiritual, kind family man who lives up to his name as the peacemaker of the family. The book is really worth reading to appreciate Merrill Osmond and his life story.
The book itself is extremely good quality with an unbendable cover and thick pages with many glossy pictures. Its is extremely good value for money.
The book itself is extremely good quality with an unbendable cover and thick pages with many glossy pictures. Its is extremely good value for money.
September 26, 2025
I am the same age as Donny Osmond, so have followed the Osmond's music since I was 12 or 13 years old. While most of my friends had a crush on Donny, my favorite was Merrill. A lot of people probably consider Donny the lead singer of the group, but actually Merrill was the lead on most of the Osmond's songs. Most of us probably know that the Osmond family are active Mormon religion, so it shouldn't be a surprise that there is a lot of spirituality talked about in this book. It was refreshing to read a book about the entertainment industry that didn't have a lot of drug and alcohol use and sex. Merrill talks a lot about his upbringing and family. Even at the end, the last two chapters are taken from his mother and father's journals. I think all Osmond fans will like this book, even though there are no earth-shattering secrets here.
August 26, 2025
What a fantastic book, and an emotional journey! Merrill's memoir gives fans the opportunity to reminisce as he talks about different shows and events that many of us attended. Rather than reading the book from cover to cover, I chose specific chapters to read, not in any particular order. After each chapter, I then paused and reflected on Merrill's words. Why? Because I wanted to process the information, and feel the emotions that run deep at each stage of Merrill's journey, garnering a greater understanding of what makes Merrill the person that he is. I have gone through many emotions as I read this memoir. I am so grateful that Merrill, his family and trusted confidants persevered through the challenging times to enable us to enjoy the show times. 'Thank you' is simply not enough. 🙏
September 13, 2025
The Osmonds are favorites from way back, and I'll usually read whatever they publish.
If you have followed Merrill on social media and read his other writings, you won't learn much of anything new. I appreciate that he has opened his heart, but what I was really hoping for was some insight and greater detail into the music--what it was like to record at Muscle Shoals, song choices, reflections on the various albums they released, etc. There was also a hole where what the country music career was like, and life in Branson. I know that Merrill is a very spiritual person, but I guess I wanted less of that and more nitty gritty detail about the music.
If you have followed Merrill on social media and read his other writings, you won't learn much of anything new. I appreciate that he has opened his heart, but what I was really hoping for was some insight and greater detail into the music--what it was like to record at Muscle Shoals, song choices, reflections on the various albums they released, etc. There was also a hole where what the country music career was like, and life in Branson. I know that Merrill is a very spiritual person, but I guess I wanted less of that and more nitty gritty detail about the music.
August 31, 2025
Open this book for a sit down chat with Merrill!
Merrill uses journals he has kept over his long career to tell his story in a style that makes you feel like he's right beside you: not just the highs and lows of over 60 years in the music business but the struggles and joys of behind the scenes.
The whole book is intertwined with the reflections of a deeply spiritual man and how his faith has guided him through an unusual life. This mix of music, memory and purpose gives the book depth and warmth.
Merrill uses journals he has kept over his long career to tell his story in a style that makes you feel like he's right beside you: not just the highs and lows of over 60 years in the music business but the struggles and joys of behind the scenes.
The whole book is intertwined with the reflections of a deeply spiritual man and how his faith has guided him through an unusual life. This mix of music, memory and purpose gives the book depth and warmth.
August 25, 2025
An absolutely phenomenal book beautifully written by Merrill Osmond himself detailing many aspects of his life. Reading this book is as if Merrill is talking to you from each word to each page. A truly wonderful read.
An insight into many well known people and events that changed lives.
Beautifully presented and extremely high quality, very tactile to the touch.
Definitely a must read for all, especially those who remember the 70's.
An insight into many well known people and events that changed lives.
Beautifully presented and extremely high quality, very tactile to the touch.
Definitely a must read for all, especially those who remember the 70's.
August 25, 2025
An absolutely beautiful book, written from the heart.
I loved the way Merrill kept this book real. It was emotional,
heartwarming, and I learnt so much more about Merrill than just being the lead singer of the famous Osmond Brothers.
This book is a fantastic read, a true page turner that
you will not want to put down.
I loved the way Merrill kept this book real. It was emotional,
heartwarming, and I learnt so much more about Merrill than just being the lead singer of the famous Osmond Brothers.
This book is a fantastic read, a true page turner that
you will not want to put down.
August 25, 2025
Excellent read . Written from the heart .written with integrity truthful about his mental health dark times and happy times and how his family have supported him through the highs and lows . He is the true voice of the Osmonds been the lead singer of one of the most successful families of showbiz and the pressures they had to endure is highlighted in the book
October 5, 2025
This was such a great book, I have been a fan my entire life and Merrill told some candid stories I had never heard before, such as being stalked for years by the same woman & an interesting story about Maurice Gibbs. He’s lived a dozen lifetimes & I’m sure he has a boatload of stories he still hasn’t told. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews