Donny Osmond

Question: First and foremost a very happy new year to you and yours.

As weird as it might be to begin a letter like this, I will just flat out say it, for quite some time I have avoided listening to your music. Yes it's true. Trust me, the initial decision was not an easy one to make. I had always been a fan of The Osmonds and Donny's solo material. Just like The Beach Boys and The Everly Brothers always brought a smile to your face and laughter to your heart with their perfect harmonies and wonderful melodies, so were The Osmonds. Whenever I heard your songs or watched you perform, apart from the great talent that you all have, one could not help but feel overwhelmed at the undeniable sense of goodness that each of you conveyed and continue to do. A sense that you loved making people happy, absolutely anyone anywhere.

Unfortunately for me a sense of alienation started when I had been reading many responses from Donny on his Beliefs page. I really respect the fact that he can live with such conviction despite everything that surrounded him, but the truth is that I am worlds away from such a belief system and very resistant to even investigating it. I come from a secular, Jewish background, but I did pursue a religious path in an Orthodox community for almost five years. Without going into the painful details, the journey ended for me after endless coersion, constant pressure, scrutiny, and learning things with which I could not reconcile. When I left I was very bitter and never looked back. I said to myself, even if God brands me a sinner when I die, so be it. I was burned out.

Now, when you begin to understand that context, not to mention me reading many stories on ex-mormon and recovery from mormonism websites, the resistance skepticism, and fear only grew. Granted, just like I question all religious doctrines, I am sure those that lash out at religions ought to be questioned as well. After all, there could be inaccuracies and ulterior motives in what they say. Nevertheless, reading Donny's replies, I really felt that as much I love the music, I could never be accepted and appreciated as a true fan. After all I thought, since The Osmonds are so devoted to their faith, what would they make of me? Do they value me as much as their fans who are LDS? I felt second rate.

Then after all this, I came across another letter to Donny on The beliefs page that echoed exactly verbatim what I was feeling, us being huge fans yet feeling second rate because we are completely secular. What was such a relief to me was Donny's expression of regret that we would feel this way. He assured us that he respects and loves all his fans. Donny also mentioned that he is taking the liberty to express how vitally important his faith is because he was asked by many to do so, but in no way does he wish to be condescending to those, and especially fans, who don't share the same beliefs. What was also very helpful was his expression of love for the Jewish people, and mentioning that he has many close Jewish friends who have not converted to Mormonism.

So Donny and Merrill, I have managed to start again listening to the great songs I know and love. Crazy Horses-Wow! For anybody that wanted to brand The Osmonds as bubblegum music let them hear this song. It stands the test of time as one of the greatest hard-rock/Metal songs ever. Inspiring ballads like Love Me for a Reason and One Bad Apple showing the world that The Osmonds have as much soul as any of The Motown greats. Donny's solo albums with the best of Broadway, paying hommage to 80's soft rock on Somewhere in Time, and the new one What I Meant to Say-top notch. You guys are really terrific.

On a musical note, hasn't it been a long time since The Osmonds toured Canada? Yes I know Donny was recently at Casino Rama, but what about a cross-Canada tour? I live in Montreal, and I have no doubt that you would sell out a very large venue in our city. You have to admit, it's a good idea.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter and I look forward to receiving your replies.

Cheers,

Response: Thank you so much for your great email. I appreciate very much your expression of understanding why we have put My Beliefs on the website and as you have concluded, it certainly is not intended to make anyone feel less than loved and appreciated. As you stated, I do have a great deal of respect for the Jewish people and as a matter fact, I feel deep gratitude and love for all of our fans regardless of their beliefs and I certainly respect people of all faiths who try to live by their beliefs.

I hope everyone will understand as you have explained so well, that My Beliefs section has been placed on the website to answer the questions that visitors to my site have about my faith. I am trying to be completely honest about my convictions and I hope that no one is offended by my expressions that are often quite direct and firm.

I am glad you enjoy the music and I am so glad you have found it in your heart to come back to our family of great fans.

I would love to tour Canada. Maybe will be able to do so in the not too distant future. It's really up to local promoters, but that's a whole other email. :)