Artist Biography - Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John


	Home Biographies On The Fringe Artist Profile Archives News Flash Message Board Reader's Poll Fan Pics Photo Album Merchandise Artist Websites Related Sites Website Resources Contact Us Get the latest Countrypolitan news! Join our mailing list today! Click Here				Olivia Newton John may well be categorised as the consummate international countrypolitan artist - crossing from 'pop' to 'country' and back again, as dictated by her career. Born in 1948, in Cambridge, England, Olivia emigrated to Australia when she was only five years old. Raised in Melbourne, Olivia was attracted to music/singing at an early age. In her teens, she formed a band with school friends called 'Sol Four' and also sang at her brother in law’s coffee house in Melbourne. Olivia’s talents were not confined to singing. As she won a part in the Aussie movie 'Funny Things Happen Down Under.' But singing was her main love and Olivia appeared on several local television shows. However, in 1965, she travelled to London with her mother to further her career - the trip being a prize won in a talent contest hosted by Australia’s foremost Rock & Roll artist of the time, Johnny O’Keefe. Despite cutting her first single in England, Olivia became homesick, and her return to Australia was only circumvented by the arrival, in London, of fellow Aussie, Pat Carroll in England. Olivia and Pat formed a duo and appeared in the pubs and clubs of England. In 1968, Olivia became engaged to Bruce Welch, a member of Cliff Richard’s band 'The Shadows.' Her career continued and the very next year she joined British TV pop group 'Toomorrow.' The group was not successful, but Olivia’s career was enhanced when, in 1972, she was chosen as a resident singer on Cliff Richard’s TV show. Olivia’s involvement with Cliff Richard and the Shadows led to further success in the UK, Europe and Australia with the release of three albums and her first hit single 'If Not For You', which also made the U.S. Charts. Olivia followed up with 'Let Me Be There' which reached No.6 on the U.S. charts. Olivia continued her career in England, representing the U.K. in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. However, Olivia did not win the contest as competition was of an extremely high standard - the contest was won by Swedish supergroup, ABBA. Nevertheless, Olivia’s renown had spread across the Atlantic. In 1975, her single 'Have You Never Been Mellow' reach No.1 on the U.S. pop charts, whilst 'Please, Mister, Please' reached No.3. As a result, Olivia moved to the U.S.A. and country music, predominantly countrypolitan style. Her association with MCA, Nashville, resulted in several hits: 'Let Me Be There', 'I Honestly Love You', 'Banks of the Ohio', and 'Don’t Stop Believin' - to name a few. Consequently, Olivia won several Grammy Awards, appeared on a number of U.S. television shows, and even had her own T.V. special in the U.S.A. in 1976. Japan was also enamoured with Olivia and she toured there in 1976 too. 1978 produced arguably the highlight of Olivia’s career. She was chosen to appear alongside John Travolta in the movie, 'Grease'. Both the movie and the soundtrack were huge hits. Olivia had returned to 'pop.' 'Grease' also celebrated successful re-release in 1998 and became an all-time classic musical. Olivia continued her screen career, in 1980, with the movie, 'Xanadu.' The movie flopped but the soundtrack was a great success, producing Olivia’s next U.S. No. 1 hit 'Magic.' Olivia actually met her future husband, Matt Lattanzi, on the set of the movie. The success continued as, in 1981, Olivia’s new album, 'Physical' reached No.1 on the U.S. charts. A sellout concert tour of the U.S.A was the result. Returning to the screen, Olivia once again starred with John Travolta, this time in the movie 'Two of a Kind.' However, once again, the movie was not successful but the soundtrack was. So Olivia turned her mind to other things. She married Matt Lattanzi in 1984 and, in 1986, daughter, Chloe, was born. Furthermore, Olivia entered the business world, establishing a chain of Australiana novelty stores in the U.S.A., 'Koala Blue.' For the next six years Olivia gave 'Koala Blue' her attention. She and co-owner, Pat Farrar, transformed 'Koala Blue' into a fashion chain. But the pull of the music world proved strong. In 1992, Olivia released a 'hits' album and began touring again. Then tragedy struck - Olivia was told that she had breast cancer. She underwent and operation and chemotherapy and returned to Australia to recuperate. Tragedy continued as Olivia and husband, Matt, were divorced; but Olivia continued her career in Australia, gaining a part in Australia TV Series 'The Man From Snowy River,' as well as 'Human Nature', an Australian wildlife show. Olivia also worked in a US sitcom, gained a part in a movie 'It’s My Party,' and did advertisements for beauty products. However, once again, the call of music was strong. Olivia returned to the U.S.A. where she was signed by MCA Nashville, releasing the album 'Back With a Heart' and re-releasing the hit countrypolitan single, 'I Honestly Love You.' The achievements continued. In 1998, Olivia toured Australia with Cliff Richard and followed up, at the year’s end, with a series of sellout concerts with Australian artists, John Farnham and Anthony Warlow, styled 'The Main Event.' The series was so popular that a number of extra concerts were added to the itinerary to cope with massive public demand. Olivia followed up with a major tour of the U.S.A. in mid 1999. In 2000, Olivia was given the honour of performing at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. She performed 'Dare To Dream' with fellow Aussie, John Farnham. So, it may be said, that whilst Olivia Newton-John’s greatest successes were in the world of 'pop,' her contribution to countrypolitan music is certainly significant. Moreover, Olivia Newton-John is also now involved in the funding of a project researching the environmental causes of cancer, particularly in children. A most worthwhile cause. *Written by Michael D'Arcy for Countrypolitan.com, February 2001.*

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