when prince was in town last august (denver), my brother said the osmonds were bigger than prince when they were in their prime compared to when prince was in his prime? when i ask people around 45 years old who their first concert was the most popular answer is the osmonds....could my bro be right?

LouieLaFunk said:

The hype machine was working overtime with the Osmonds, but the Jacksons were as big if not bigger. Both groups were almost considered to be like the New Kids on the Block or the Backstreet Boys were in *their* heyday.

Prince, because he could play his own instruments, and actually composed his own music, was always considered to be different than teen idols such as Bobby Sherman or even David Cassidy. At one time, Prince was lauded by both critics AND the general public. He was held in such high regard that he won an Oscar and a Grammy and had the biggest movie of the summer of 1984. Prince for many years was known and loved throughout the world, in particular the UK, France, and Japan. The Osmonds were primarily an American phenomenon.


In terms of vindication, Prince is now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Osmonds are still in Utah and not quite a viable, international show business draw.

So who was bigger in terms of fame at their respective heydays? Prince. By far.

No, I didn't forget the Osmonds cartoon show and the Donny and Marie show on ABC.

The Osmonds were not as critically lauded as Prince.

Now Donny and Marie is a separate question. Donny was the darling of American media as the latest teen idol. His sister became idolized as America's sweetheart. They quickly eclipsed the fame of their own older brothers.

So who was bigger in their prime? Donny Osmond or Prince?

Hmmm...depends on how you measure the perks of fame.

I'd still have to go with Prince.