Sideburns, Dance Moves and Long Hair: The Osmond Brothers Perform ‘Yo-Yo’ Dressed like…Elvis?

Did you know that The Osmond Brothers began as a barbershop quartet? That’s how they paid their dues in the early days. When the set off for the ‘big times’ Alan, Wayne Merrill and Jay added brother Donny to the line-up. Known for their choreographed stage movements and matching outfits, as much as for their singing, The Osmond Brothers (who quickly became known as just The Osmond's) gained huge popularity in the 1970s. Donny, who sang lead and was the “cute” one of the brothers, became a teen heartthrob and solo performer who also took on the role of variety TV star along with his sister and co-host Marie on the Donny and Marie show.

In 1971 The Osmond's released the song ‘Yo-Yo’ which would peak at #3 on the U.S. charts and reach #1 in Canada. Here they are in a TV appearance dancing and lip-syncing their way through this “rocker”. With their long, bushy sideburns and matching jumpsuits I get the impression they were trying to copy Elvis Presley’s stage wear. Or maybe Elvis copied them? Anyway... thanks to DavEvans006 for showcasing this, and other Osmond Brother performances, on his YouTube channel. Enjoy.

You can listen to music from The Osmond's, Donny Osmond, and Donny and Marie anytime on Dusty Discs Radio.