1972 Career-Defining Classic Was a No. 1 Hit Song 54 Years Ago Today
1972 Career-Defining Classic Was a No. 1 Hit Song 54 Years Ago Today
Nina DerwinSat, March 28, 2026 at 12:50 AM UTC
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(Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
In 1972, Donny Osmond delivered one of the most memorable performances of his early career.
His version of "The Twelfth of Never" became a major success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and further cementing his status as a teen idol during the height of his popularity.
"I was sitting in a hotel room in London and there was a television chat show going on, debating whether Donny Osmond should be deported because of the chaos he was wreaking," Osmond told The Guardian. "And while I was watching this, there were fans on the street below, chanting my name. I was 13 and thought, 'Does it get any better than this?'"
Originally written in the 1950s and previously recorded by artists including Johnny Mathis, the song found new life through Osmond's youthful, emotional delivery. His rendition connected with audiences across generations, blending classic romantic sentiment with the polished pop sound of the early 1970s.
At the time, Osmond was already a rising star, having gained fame as part of the Osmond family. His solo success with "The Twelfth of Never" helped establish him as a standout performer in his own right, separate from the group's identity.
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The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics made it a favorite among fans, reinforcing Osmond's image as one of the eras most beloved young performers. "I remember doing world tours, going to places on this planet I never knew existed, and you walk off the plane, and there are thousands of people screaming your name," Osmond told PEOPLE.
His performance also demonstrated his ability to reinterpret classic material in a way that felt fresh and contemporary. It was clear from a very young age that Osmond was destined for a long career.
More than five decades later, "The Twelfth of Never" remains one of Donny Osmond's most recognizable hits, a career-defining track that helped shape his early legacy in pop music.
Related: 1972 Career-Defining Classic Was a No. 1 Hit Song 54 Years Ago Today
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
