Rare Details About Olivia Newton-John's Private Life Are Leaving Fans In Awe
Few singers have the skill and ability to move seamlessly between genres — Olivia Newton-John, however, made it look easy. From country to pop, from slow ballads to get-on-your-feet club hits, the legendary singer could do it all without missing a beat. An icon both on the stage and on the screen, nobody could match her. But for an artist whose history was so intertwined with pop culture, not many truly knew the woman behind the classic hits. Sure, you can sing the Grease soundtrack forward and back, but chances are you've never seen Olivia Newton-John quite like this.
Before the fame
After all, most people really only remember the days when she was topping the charts left and right. Or perhaps her iconic portrayal of Danny Zuko's first love. You know, the role that sky-rocketed her to international fame! Whether it's the versatile songstress or the on-screen bombshell that holds a place in your heart, there's no denying that Olivia Newton-John was a force to be reckoned with. But before she became a global sensation, Olivia was just another girl from Australia — with one small twist.
Making her own way
Born in Cambridge, England, Olivia's father was an MI5 agent and schoolmaster. And it was at Cambridge University where her parents first met. Apparently they bonded over their shared passion for music. Her musical roots didn't go back quite so far, though, as among her ancestors were jurists and even a Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Unlike her wider family, however, Olivia preferred to dabble in a field less rigid than law or science.
Gotta start somewhere
Music! At just 14 years old, Olivia began pursuing her dreams of stardom. It all started after her return to Australia from Cambridge with the formation of her all-girl group Sol Four. Olivia banded together with her classmates, and the trio began performing in local coffee shops. Their time in the spotlight was short-lived, however, leading Olivia to embark on a new venture — her appearances on local radio and television as "Lovely Livvy."
Broadening her horizons
After more local performances, she entered a talent contest that had the potential to change everything. Sing, Sing, Sing was a televised competition hosted by Australian rock n' roll singer Johnny O'Keefe, and the prize was big. Eventually, she won the series. And the life-changing prize — a trip to Great Britain to begin her recording career. Olivia was reluctant at first, though after some persuading by her mother, she decided to give it a shot.
