Deseret News | Osmond recalls friendship with Jackson

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Osmond recalls friendship with Jackson

Duke | 5:18 a.m. June 26, 2009

Jimmy is rigth on. MJ should be respected as an entertainer, one who revoulutionized the industry. I hope folks are sensitive to his the loss his family is feeling. But knowing the hearts of the self-righteous in Utah, they won't.

So bring it on...tell the world what a rotten guy he was, while your toes are tapping to "Bad" and you secretly sing all the words to "Thriller".
Go ahead Utahns...start casting your stones.

CP | 5:57 a.m. June 26, 2009

A great article. I think Jimmy Osmond got it right when he said, Michael was misunderstood. I grew up with both the Osmonds and The Jackson 5. I followed more the Osmonds but I still loved the music of Michael Jackson and I always will.

Lynnie_KWFLA | 6:38 a.m. June 26, 2009

This has to be one of the best reflections I have read or heard so far in the media. Thank you for taking the time to get the perspective of another true entertainer. At 51 and a huge fan for many years of both families, I am remembering that the special moments in my life would always be triggered whenever their songs were played. I feel truly blessed to have grown up during an era of their music!

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Rebecca | 7:24 a.m. June 26, 2009

Thank you Jimmy Osmond for such an accurate and classy portrayal of a beautiful and talented showman. All of his fans hope that his true legacy will live on through his music and for those of us lucky enough to have grown up with him, the wonderful memories he helped us create through his talent and brilliance!

Rest in Peace Michael you will always be in our hearts!

Cristina | 9:19 a.m. June 26, 2009

Spoken like a true, respectable Osmond. Michael had great talent; and, although he had strange ways, we are nobody to judge. He has gone to meet our maker who is the true judge. May God have mercy on his soul.

JN | 12:03 p.m. June 26, 2009

Thank you, Jimmy. I enjoyed both The Osmonds and The Jackson Five and it reflects well on both groups that you were friendly. Very classy, and what I would have expected from both families.

Some people are bitter toward Michael, but I agree with Cristina, that we can't judge.

I will miss the Michael I remember and will continue to enjoy his music.

Tito Osmond | 5:34 p.m. June 26, 2009

One Bad Apple was the first number one hit for the Osmond Brothers (1970) - not for Donny.

Donny had hits with "Go Away Little Girl" (number 1) and "Puppy Love" (number 2).

Donny sang with the brothers on "One Bad Apple" but it was not a part of his solo career.

Michael Jackson recorded the song "Ben" which was originally written for Donny to sing.

Gypsy | 9:03 p.m. June 29, 2009

I got to disagree with Jimmy: In his last statement -> Michael had it all.
Michael had lots of talent, creativity,was an amazing entertainer. He did not have the loving family situation like Jimmy & his siblings grew up in. He did not have a loving/caring parents like Mother & Father Osmond. Donny, Marie & his brothers were allowed to be kid - I don't think Michael was allowed that luxury, to be just a kid. Very sad.

aj arizona | 4:33 p.m. June 30, 2009

Well Duke

After reading these posts, you must feel pretty stupid and judgemental yourself right about now. Shame on you for your stereotypes.

cjswmo | 9:00 a.m. July 2, 2009

I have to agree that is the most spot-on reflection of Michael Jackson I have read since his untimely passing. I have known for a long time there was a great deal of respect between the Osmond and Jackson families. Thank you Jimmy for so eloquently stating what I believe to be true about the great talent and very misunderstood Michael Jackson. He will be sorely missed on the entertainment scene. But most importantly, by his family and friends. I believe that the reason his children were so incredibly important to him was that it presented him with the opportunity to have the kind of family life he had always longed for but not been able to have.

Aba Sam | 8:14 a.m. Aug. 18, 2009

Thank you Jimmy, the world needed to know this. I believe that MJ was a fine gentleman,he sure did have a heart for humanity; there's a lot of evidence to prove this claim. Of course he was human and therefore made mistakes like all humans do. Unfortunately he was grossly misunderstood. I'm glad I always looked beyond how negetive MJ was sometimes presented by the media.

His song on "Demerol" as shown on Larry King was very hearbreaking; I'm now more than ever so convinced that MJ cried for help in many ways, but the world did not hear him.

In this world, good men make mistakes, MJ was one of them, now beyond the veil, may our Good Lord keep him safe and rested in his bossom.

We love you Michael.

Anonymous | 9:54 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Thank you Jimmy for sharing your feelings about Michael. Amidst all of the negative out there about him it is nice to hear something postive and honest. I, myself, appreciate it.

I grew up with the Jacksons and the Osmonds and I remember how much fun it was to see both families perform.

Thank you again for your reflection.

Long time MJ Fan

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Osmond recalls friendship with Jackson