Background
Born in London in 1949, Osborne is the son of the late musical director Tony Osborne.
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Gary Osborne
Edit Profilelyricist musician singer-songwriter
Education
He was educated in Switzerland and entered the music industry at the age of 15.
Career
He chairs The Songwriters Executive of the British Academy Of Songwriters Composers and Authors and is also Chairman of The Ivor Novello As a teenage songwriter Osborne had recordings by the likes of Timi Yuro, Nana Mouskouri and Val Doonican and at age 17 had his first United States chart entry with "On The Other Side" by The Seekers, which he wrote with Tom Springfield. Osborne"s early career included presenting the "60s radio show Cool Britania on the British Broadcasting Corporation World Service and a stint with Radio Corporation of America Records in its A&R department. In the early "70s he was active in television jingles, writing and performing hundreds of songs for brands such as Pepsi, Ultra Brite, Shredded Wheat and Abbey National.
Vigrass and Osborne made the United States top 50 with "Men Of Learning" and the Japanese top 3 with "Forever Autumn" (originally a jingle for Lego Toys).
His first United Kingdom hit was "Amoureuse", sung by Kiki Dee, co-written with Véronique Sanson and co-produced by Elton John. Osborne went on to collaborate with Elton John throughout the album A Single Manitoba, and on parts of the albums 21 at 33, The Fox, Jump Up!, and Leather Jackets.
The three biggest singles co-written by Elton John and Gary Osborne were "Participant Time Love" from 1978, "Little Jeannie," a United States million seller in 1980, and the worldwide hit "Blue Eyes" from 1982. Osborne was principal lyricist on the best-selling concept album Jeff Wayne"s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds which has sold in excess of 15 million albums and performed half a dozen sold-out United Kingdom arena tours as well as touring in Europe and Australia.
More recent work includes the 2006 United Kingdom top 3 hit "Checkin" lieutenant Out" by Lil" Chris.
He co-wrote songs for Albert Hammond"s 1982 album Somewhere in America. "I Am The Future," written with Lalo Schifrin for the soundtrack of the movie Class of 1984, was performed by Alice Cooper. Other films featuring Osborne songs include My Own Private Idaho, Stardust, Every Day"s A Holiday, Summer Lovers, The Legacy and Oh Heavenly Dog.
Osborne"s credits as a backing vocalist include "Sugar Baby Love" by The Rubettes, "You Can Make Maine Dance" by Rod Stewart and The Faces, "Participant Time Love" and "Little Jeannie" by Elton John, Randy VanWarmer"s "You Left Maine Just When I Needed You Most" and "Gonna Make You A Star (I don"t fink so)" by David Essex.
