Per an Instagram post from her family: Olivia Newton-John died "peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends."
"We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time. Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer."
Olivia Newton-John was one of the co-owners of the pop charts in the 1970s, If you are too young to remember her career before "Grease," it's time to listen again. She had nine gold singles in the 70s alone, only to top all of them with one of the longest-running number ones of all time the next decade with 1981's "Physical."
Her jaw-dropping beauty, easy-listening arrangements and soft vocal delivery never made her a favorite among critics. Their loss. Listen to this rock musician breakdown Olivia's vocal range on a minor hit "Sam."
She really found her pre-Grease groove with catchy country pop songs like "If You Love Me", "Let Me Be There," "Please Mister Please," among others. Country enough to score Olivia 20 top 20 songs on the country charts in the 70s and snagged a Grammy AND A Female Vocalist of the Year award from the CMA in 1974. She was the biggest country crossover artist just this side of Elvis. A rare feat indeed.
Olivia Newton-John deserves more credit for her hits; her delivery and technique seemed hidden underneath the beauty and that innocent smile. No doubt, many a man my age were crushing on her since 1973, but as I got more involved in music, I realized she was so much more than a pretty face.