The music world is slowly reeling out its tributes to the late Olivia Newton John, who died on August 8th after a long battle with breast cancer.
Olivia Newton-John is best remembered for her incredible string of 27 Top 40 hits in the 1970’s and ’80s including, “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “Magic,” “Xanadu,” “Heart Attack,” “If Not For You,” “Make A Move On Me,” “Let Me Be There,” “Twist Of Fate,” “If You Love Me, Let Me Know,” “Physical,” “I Honestly Love You,” and three songs from the Grease soundtrack, “You’re The One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” and “Summer Nights.”
When we last caught up to her, she recalled her biggest hit, 1981’s 10 week chart-topper “Physical”– a tune she panicked thinking it was too risque — not only for her image but for the public at large: “Yeah, I got really anxious after I recorded it, that it was a bit too naughty, y’know? So, I said, ‘What we need to do is make a video about exercise! That’s it!’ Well, that just made it bigger! I remember calling my manger and saying: ‘Take it off — I don’t want it to go out, I’m sure about it. . . ‘ And he said, ‘Too late. It’s gone to radio.’ And of course it went to Number One.”
Newton-John’s talents are constantly rediscovered by new generations of fans from her legendary portrayal of Sandy in the 1978 movie musical Grease. She told us she’s always been especially proud of the film’s legacy: “That movie just has something kind of timeless about it that kids seem to connect to. It’s lovely just to be a part of that.” (OC: 06 . . . part of that)
OLIVIA REMEMBERED
Elton John: “The saddest of news to wake up to. Olivia was a beautiful and courageous woman, who I never heard complain about her illness. A beautiful voice and a warm and loving friend. I will miss her so much. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Rod Stewart: “My great friend Olivia Newton John has passed away. She was the perfect Lady, gorgeous, with great poise and with a certain Aussie sophistication. Her spandex trousers in Grease were my inspiration for my ‘Da ya think I’m Sexy’ era. RIP Olivia.”
Barbra Streisand: “Too young to leave this world. May she RIP.”
Peter Frampton: “One of the most genuinely beautiful souls has left us. Olivia Newton-John was an amazing artist in every way. She was a dear friend to me and to all. Olivia is the definition of the phrase ‘Down to earth’. I love you Liv.”
Paul Stanley: “So Very Sad. She was everyone’s sweetheart.”
Dionne Warwick: “Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir. Not only was Olivia a dear friend, but one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of recording and performing with. I will most definitely miss her. She now Rests in the Arms of the Heavenly Father.”
Micky Dolenz: “I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia Newton John many years ago when I played celebrity tennis. Saddened to hear about this lovely lady.”
Rick Springfield: “Sweet Olivia has gone home. She was a beautiful soul and I know of no one who didn’t love her or know what a great humanitarian she was. The world is out of balance when we lose these magnificent people. God speed Livvy. We will all meet again.”
Melissa Etheridge: “Journey well, dear friend. She was one of the first to reach out to me after my cancer diagnosis. What a beautiful woman and special talent.”
Sebastian Bach: “Always get sad when someone has been part of our life forever is no longer here. Can’t even explain how much the movie Grease meant to me my dad my family and my wife. I think my favorite Olivia Newton-John song is Magic from Xanadu. I can never get that song out of my head.”