Donny Osmond Admits to 'Wanting to Be Elton John' in '71 but 'We Needed a Little More Wholesomeness'

It’s been half a century since 1971: one of the most pivotal times in music history.

The series, which is set to air archival footage and interviews from musical icons of that era, showcases how musicians — fromAretha FrankinandMarvin GayetoBob MarleyandJohn Lennonto The Rolling Stones and The Who — helped pivot culture at the time and “inspired hope, change and the culture around them.”

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In a PEOPLE exclusive clip,Donny Osmondtalks about his own approach to artistry, especially during this time.

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“But that’s not what people wanted me to be,” he adds. “And I think as we look back at the era of ‘71 and the sexual tensions, the political upheavals and drug usage, maybe we needed a little more wholesomeness.”

source: people.com