An Introspective Look at a Man Behind the Music
A reflection on a lifetime in the spotlight.
Donny Osmond’s “Who” isn’t a song from the heyday of teen idol mania, the days of “Puppy Love” and “Go Away Little Girl.” Instead, it’s a much more recent and deeply personal track, released in 2021 as the first single from his album Start Again. It’s a song that wasn’t about topping the charts of the 70s, but about returning to them with a fresh perspective. At the time of its release, the song quickly ascended the iTunes charts, a testament to the enduring loyalty of his fans and the power of his reinvented sound. This wasn’t a comeback; it was a continuation, a reintroduction of an artist who had never really left.
The story behind “Who” is as reflective as the song itself. Donny Osmond recounts that the inspiration struck him on a Saturday night in 2019, while driving home after a show in Las Vegas with his sister, Marie. The adrenaline from the crowd’s energy was still coursing through his veins, and he found himself pondering his long and varied career. This moment of introspection, of looking back on six decades in the public eye, became the genesis of the song. It was a realization that he was more than just a single persona—he was the teen idol, the Broadway star, the TV host, the reality show winner, and the family man. “Who” is a celebration of that multifaceted identity, a confident declaration that all of these versions of himself are a part of the whole.
The meaning of “Who” is a profound exploration of identity, a question that many of us grapple with as we grow older and our lives take unexpected turns. The song is a testament to the fact that we’re not defined by a single moment in time or a single role we’ve played. Instead, we are the sum of all our experiences, the triumphs, the stumbles, and the constant evolution. For an audience that has grown up with Donny Osmond, this song is a mirror, reflecting their own journeys through life. It evokes a sense of shared experience, of a collective nostalgia for a simpler time, while also embracing the complexities of the present. It’s an emotional journey that reminds us that no matter how much time has passed, the essence of who we are remains.
This new sound is a deliberate effort to show he is not a “one trick pony.” On the album Start Again, he collaborated with artists like NE-YO and Charlie Wilson, further demonstrating his desire to explore different musical styles. “Who” and the entire album are a reflection of his personal experiences, with each song stemming from a true, personal story. He wanted every song to come from a personal experience, from his “Dancing With The Stars” win to his long marriage, to ensure there was true meaning behind what he was singing.
This is a beautiful example of how an artist can grow with their audience, creating music that resonates on a deeper level than the sugary pop of their youth. It’s a song for those who have weathered the storms of life, who have seen themselves change over the years, but still recognize the core of who they’ve always been.