Olivia Newton-John

About Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John was born on the 26th of September, 1948 in Cambridge, England. At five years, Olivia moved with her family to Melbourne, Australia. In 1963, aged only fifteen, she formed 'Sol Four' - an all girl group. She was also winner of a talent competition organized on the sets of "Sing, Sing, Sing," a famous TV show. The prize she got for this was a trip to England. nnIn the UK, Olivia performed with Pat Carroll, an Australian, at clubs and pubs dreaming of success but not really doing well. In 1971, Olivia emerged with her maiden solo album "If Not For You." The title track became her first ever international hit. Two years later, she released her debut US album entitled "Let Me There." The album won her a Grammy for Best Country Vocalist. This album was followed by close to 40 albums and several chart-topping singles which have won her Grammys and many other award nominations. nn 'Grease' where she starred opposite John Travolta, was Olivia's first major hit as an actress. Olivia's solo single "Hopelessly Devoted ToYou" and her duets with John Travolta - "Summer Nights" and "You're The One That I Want" were a huge success. She also delivered noteworthy performances in movies like 'Xanadu' with Gene Hackman, 'Sordid Lives,' 'It's My Party,' and 'The Wilde Girls' (with daughter Chloe). nnIn 1994, Olivia brought out the album 'GAIA', a personal account of her experiences and battle with cancer, written and produced by the singer herself. In 1999, she got an Emmy in the songwriting category for her album "Back with a Heart." In 2000, she released "One Woman's Live Journey," her sole live album. Olivia's most recent album is "Grace and Gratitude" which came out in September 2006. nnOlivia has always been admired for her contribution to several causes close to her heart, most notable of which are early breast cancer detection and treatment, and environmental issues. Honours conferred on her include a Lifetime Achievement Award, an entry into the Australian Music Hall of Fame, appointment as Officer of the Order of Australia by the Queen all in 2006 and she has received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth in 1979.