Written by Michael Swartz
On August 8th, 2022 the world lost the LEGENDARY Olivia Newton-John after a decades-long battle with breast cancer. She was best known for starring as “Sandy” in the movie/musical “Grease”. This was the breakout role that launched her to superstardom, and we have been “hopelessly devoted to her ever since. Even a week later I am still trying to wrap my head around the loss of such an amazing icon. The world will definitely be a darker place without this fabulous “Pink Lady”. She was the original Taylor Swift (she was initially a country musician, and transitioned to pop). The industry will never be the same without her, so in honor of this icon here is a timeline of her career.
1962: A 14-year-old Olivia formed Sol Four with three other classmates
1966: She entered and won the Australian television competition “Sing, Sing, Sing”
Recorded her debut single “Till You Say You’ll Be Mine”
Sometime in the mid 60’s to early 70’s she formed a duo called “Pat and Olivia” and toured Europe.
1971: Released her first album “If Not You”
1974: Won country music association’s female vocalist of the year, beating out Dolly Parton.
1978: Filed breach of contract lawsuit against MCA
Starred in “Grease”
Became the second woman to have two singles in Billboard's top 5
Released “Totally Hot”
1980: Starred in Xanadu
1981: She released her pop album “Physical” which caused controversy at the time for being risque.
1989: Released her fourteenth album “Warm and Tender”
1991: She became the National Spokesperson for the Colette Chuda Environmental Fund/CHEC (Children's Health Environmental Coalition)
1992: Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
2008: She raised funds to help build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia
2013: Las Vegas residency
2015: Guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race
2019: Teamed up with “Grease” Co-star John Travolta for three live “Meet & Grease” events
2021: Recorded “Window in The Wall” with her daughter.
2022: Aug. 8th Newton-John passes away at her home in California.