Dame Olivia Newton-John was born on 26th September 1948 in Cambridge, England and passed away on 8th August 2022. She was married twice and has a daughter.
When Olivia was 5 years old, her family emigrated to Australia and built a life there. She went to Grammar and University High School. She wished to take the profession of a vet, however, she changed her mind and opted for acting as she thought sciences were not her ‘best’ subjects.
Olivia created an all-girl band named ‘Sol Four’ when she was 14 and frequently performed in a coffee shop, but the group split shortly after. Her first acting debut was at school when she acted in a drama production and her talent was immediately recognised. Afterwards, she made regular appearances in various TV shows and once she even won a ticket to the UK by participating in a singing contest.
Encouraged by her mother to ameliorate her singing talent, she travelled to the UK and went on to release her first single ‘Till you say you’ll be Mine’. She also toured Europe where she sang in nightclubs in duet with another singer with whom she had previously performed in a show in Australia.
In 1971, Olivia released her first solo album, which featured the international hit ‘If not for You’. In the years that followed, Olivia recorded more albums and even participated in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Long Live Love in 1974, placing 4th. But it was her next single ‘I honestly love You’ that rendered Olivia a real star, becoming her signature song.
Her popularity continued to rise in 1978 when she starred alongside John Travolta in the famous hit movie ‘Grease’ and also sang ‘You’re the one that I Want’, ‘Hopelessly devoted to You’ and ‘Summer Nights’ which all reached the Top 5 on the music charts.
During the 80s, Olivia had some more successful hits which she sang in duet with various artists like Cliff Richard, Andy Gibb and Electric Light Orchestra. She also had solo hits like ‘Physical’, ‘Xanadu’ and ‘Magic’, amongst others.
In 1992, Olivia was diagnosed with breast cancer and immediately started campaigning for breast cancer research. She also supported organisations in favour of the environment and animal rights.
During her long career, Olivia recorded 52 albums and 70 singles. She won a large number of awards amongst which there are 10 American Music, 9 Billboard and 4 Grammy, plus several other prestigious honours.
Olivia lost her battle against cancer and died on 8th August 2022.