Olivia Newton John
Assembled and edited
By
Martin Francis
JosslynMartinArt.com
Feature Artist Band Olivia Newton John
Olivia Newton-John, one of Australia's most well-known internationally successful singers, left an indelible mark on the music and entertainment industry. Before she became a global superstar with hits like "Physical" and her iconic role as Sandy in Grease, Newton-John's early years shaped her into the performer the world came to adore.
Newton-John’s performance as Sandy became legendary. Her transformation from the wholesome, shy girl in poodle skirts to the confident, leather-clad bombshell in "You're the One That I Want" was one of the film’s most memorable moments. Her songs, including "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "Summer Nights," became instant classics.
Her breakthrough came when she won a local television talent competition, Sing, Sing, Sing, in 1964. This victory led to appearances on Australian television, where she caught the attention of industry professionals.
Encouraged by her success, Newton-John moved to the United Kingdom in the mid-1960s to pursue her music career. She recorded her first single, "Till You Say You’ll Be Mine," in 1966, though it received little commercial success. However, she remained determined, joining a duo with fellow singer Pat Carroll before eventually launching her solo career.
Her first significant breakthrough came in 1971 with the release of "If Not for You," a cover of a Bob Dylan song that became a hit in both the UK and Australia. This success marked the beginning of her ascent in the music industry, blending country, pop, and soft rock influences that would define much of her early career. Her gentle voice and wholesome image resonated with audiences, setting the stage for her later superstardom.
'Grease' changed my life in the most amazing way, and I've had such an amazing life. When things go wrong, you've got to believe you will get through them and focus on the positive things in your life.
Olivia became an international star with Grease. She was already an established singer, but she had little acting experience. She was hesitant about taking on a major film role, especially after a less successful experience in the 1970 film Tomorrow. Additionally, at 29 years old, she was concerned about playing a high school student alongside much younger actors. John Travolta, who had already been cast as Danny Zuko, played a key role in convincing Newton-John to join the film. He was a big fan of hers and believed she was perfect for Sandy. Travolta personally lobbied for her casting and reassured her that she would be a great fit.
Despite her concerns, Newton-John agreed to a screen test with Travolta to see if she was right for the part. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and producers, including Allan Carr and director Randal Kleiser, were convinced that she was the perfect choice. Originally, the character of Sandy Dumbrowski was written as an American high school girl. To accommodate Newton-John's Australian accent, the filmmakers changed her character’s background, making her Sandy Olsson, an Australian exchange student. This small change allowed Newton-John to feel more comfortable in the role and play to her strengths.
Olivia Newton John. John Travolta GREASE 1978
Xanadu | Olivia Newton-John & Gene Kelly's '80s/'40s Hybrid E.L.O. Roller Disco
Born on September 26, 1948, in Cambridge, England, Olivia Newton-John was the youngest of three children in an intellectually and musically inclined family. Her father, Brinley Newton-John, was a professor and a former MI5 officer who worked on the Enigma project during World War II, while her mother, Irene, was the daughter of German physicist Max Born, a Nobel Prize winner.
Whenever You're Away From Me (Olivia Newton-John & Gene Kelly) | Xanadu |
Olivia Newton-John - Hopelessly Devoted to You - Festival de Viña del Mar 2017
When Olivia was just six years old, her family relocated to Melbourne, Australia, where she spent most of her formative years. Growing up in a household that appreciated music, Olivia developed an early interest in singing and performing. Her natural talent quickly became evident, and she participated in school plays and talent shows, showcasing a voice that would later captivate millions. Newton-John's musical journey began in earnest during her teenage years. At the age of 14, she formed an all-girl group called Sol Four, performing at local venues and talent contests.
Newton-John and Farnham had a deep mutual respect for each other as artists. They often praised each other’s talents and supported each other in their musical journeys. One of their most notable collaborations was the 1998 tour The Main Event, where they performed alongside another Australian legend, Anthony Warlow. The tour was a massive success and saw Newton-John and Farnham sharing the stage, performing duets and classic hits together. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, and audiences loved their dynamic performances. In later years, they reunited for various charity events and special performances. Notably, in 2015, they recorded the duet "Dare to Dream", the official theme song for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
The early years of Olivia Newton-John’s life and career laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary journey in music and film. From her childhood in Melbourne to her first steps in the music world, these formative experiences shaped her into the icon she would become. Olivia died on 8 August 2022. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of fans worldwide, proving that her early days were just the beginning of an unforgettable career.
I still can't believe I danced with Gene Kelly. How lucky am I that I've been in movies where I've danced with two of the greatest dancers of all time - with Gene Kelly and John Travolta.
Olivia Newton-John
With music from Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), the movie introduces Sonny Malone, tired of his soul-draining job painting album covers, who meets the mysterious and enchanting Kira after she skates into his life. She turns out to be a muse from Mount Olympus, sent to inspire him. Together, they team up with Danny McGuire, an aging musician-turned-developer, to build a new kind of nightclub: Xanadu—a dreamy, disco-infused roller skating palace.
As they work to open the club, Sonny falls in love with Kira. But since she’s immortal and bound by muse rules, their love faces a bittersweet hurdle when she must return to her celestial realm.
