The Osmonds recorded “One Bad Apple,” which became a US Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit in 1971.
“One Bad Apple” was released by The Osmonds in 1970 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1971. The song was written by George Jackson and originally intended for The Jackson 5, but it became The Osmonds’ breakthrough pop hit instead.
The recording is often confused with Jackson 5 songs because its vocal arrangement and upbeat soul-pop style resemble the Motown group’s early work. The Jackson 5 had already reached number one with “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “The Love You Save” before “One Bad Apple” topped the chart for The Osmonds.
The Osmonds originated as a family singing group from Utah. Their success expanded beyond earlier television appearances and established them as major teen-pop performers during the early 1970s.