She died Monday at her southern California ranch
NEW YORK — Olivia Newton-John, the Grammy-winning superstar who reigned on pop, country, adult contemporary and dance charts with such hits as “Physical” and “You’re the One That I Want” and won countless hearts as everyone’s favorite Sandy in the blockbuster film version of “Grease,” has died. She was 73.
From 1973-83, Newton-John was among the world’s most popular entertainers. She had 14 top 10 singles just in the U.S., won four Grammys, starred with John Travolta in “Grease” and with Gene Kelly in “Xanadu.” The fast-stepping Travolta-Newton-John duet, “You’re the One That I Want,” was one of the era’s biggest songs and has sold more than 15 million copies.
Both musically and image-wise, she reinvented herself during those years. The blonde, ever-smiling Newton-John initially favored mild pop-country songs such as “Please Mr. Please” and “Have You Never Been Mellow” and soft-breathing ballads like “I Honestly Love You,” which in 1975 won Grammys for best female pop vocal and record of the year. But she picked up the tempo in “Grease,” especially after Sandy ditched her white sweaters and blouses for waist-high, black leather pants.
She had a few hits after “Physical,” but her career declined and Newton-John became more likely to make news because of her private life. In 1992, as she was preparing a concert tour, her father died and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her marriage to actor Matt Lattanzi, with whom she had a daughter, actor-singer Chloe Lattanzi, broke up in 1995 and a years-long relationship with cameraman Patrick McDermott ended mysteriously.
Dionne Warwick, who featured Newton-John on her 2006 album “My Friends and Me,” wrote online that “another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir.” And Lea Salonga wrote: “Rest In Peace, Olivia Newton-John. Hers was one of the voices of my childhood.” She had loved country music, especially the records of “Tennessee” Ernie Ford, since childhood, but her early success didn’t impress critics or some fellow musicians. A Village Voice review likened her to a geisha who “makes her voice smaller than it really is just to please men.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Olivia Newton-John, who played Sandy in 'Grease,' dies at 73Olivia Newton-John, the Grammy-winning superstar who reigned on pop, country, adult contemporary and dance charts with such hits as 'Physical' and 'You're the One That I Want' and won countless hearts as everyone's favorite Sandy in the blockbuster film version of 'Grease,' has died. She was 73.
Read more »
'Your Danny, your John': Condolences pour in for Olivia Newton-JohnActors, musicians, politicians and fans are reacting to the news of Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Olivia Newton-John's passing at 73.
Read more »
John Travolta, others pay tribute to Olivia Newton-JohnActors, musicians, politicians and fans are reacting to the news of Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Olivia Newton-John's passing at 73.
Read more »
John Travolta pays tribute to Olivia Newton-JohnActor John Travolta, who co-starred with Olivia Newton-John in the hit movie musical 'Grease,' has posted a statement in tribute to the late singer.
Read more »
Singer and actress Olivia Newton-John dead at 73 | CBC NewsThe British-born Australian actress and singer died on Monday, her family confirmed in a post on Instagram. The Grease star was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and underwent successful treatment, before the cancer returned in 2017.
Read more »
Olivia Newton-John dies at 73British\u002DBorn Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton\u002DJohn died on Monday at the age of 73.
Read more »