Paper Roses

"Paper Roses" is a popular song written and composed by Fred Spielman and Janice Torre. It first was a top five hit in 1960 for Anita Bryant with Monty Kelly's Orchestra and Chorus. Marie Osmond later covered it in 1973 and took her version to number one on the US country chart.

Anita Bryant version

Anita Bryant's version of "Paper Roses" was originally released in 1960 as a single b/w "Mixed Emotions" (Carlton 528) and was the opening track on her 1961 album Hear Anita Bryant In Your Home Tonight! (Carlton STLP 12/127), recorded in "Provocative Stereo." "Paper Roses" was Bryant's biggest hit on the Billboard Pop chart, peaking at No. 5 in 1960. Bryant continued to release singles following "Paper Roses"' success. Although Bryant had hits that reached the Top 40 again, she never had another hit as big as "Paper Roses."

Marie Osmond version

Background

In 1973, Marie Osmond's brothers, The Osmonds, were already well-established as stars in the pop music world and as teen idols (especially Donny). The Osmonds' management convinced Marie to try her hand at singing as well, and soon she was performing with her brothers on tour, but not officially a member. When Marie began to record, she took a different tack from her brothers musically: she decided to try to make it big in country music. She was soon signed to MGM Records in Los Angeles, California.

Paper Roses (album)

Paper Roses is the debut studio album by American country music singer, Marie Osmond. It was released in 1973 on MGM Records. It was the first of four MGM albums Osmond would record as solo artist.

The album's name came from its title track, "Paper Roses," a cover of an Anita Bryant Top 10 hit from 1961. Osmond's version reached #1 on the Billboard Country Chart and #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. Osmond became the first female country singer to have a #1 hit with her debut single since Connie Smith with "Once a Day" in 1964. The album includes cover versions of hits by Sonny James ("You're the Only World I Know") and Brenda Lee ("Fool No. 1").

Paper Roses peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, #59 on the Billboard 200 and #38 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album was reviewed by Allmusic and was given 2 out of 5 stars.

Track listing