I read/heard on one podcast, The Life of Greatness, she says that when she was pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God
something that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe,
and I was close to losing her. I went to bed and asked God to save her,
and if he did, I would say the Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of
my life, and so I have."
I read/heard on one podcast, The Life of Greatness, she says that when she was pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God
something that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe,
and I was close to losing her. I went to bed and asked God to save her,
and if he did, I would say the Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of
my life, and so I have."
On one podcast, The Life of Greatness, Olivia Newton-John says that when she was
pregnant with her daughter Chloe in 1986, she promised God something
that has caused her to pray every day since her daughter was born. "I
remember when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I was close to losing her. I
went to bed and asked God to save her, and if he did, I would say the
Lord's Prayer every night for the rest of my life, and so I have."
Oh, Olivia, I pray that the God of the universe heard your prayer and that you were forgiven your sins just as millions of people all over the world have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. He was the perfect sacrifice in place of us. Over the centuries, people have realized they fall very short from the perfection God requires, and they need to place their lives in the hands of Christ and turn the other direction. Eternity in Heaven or Hell rests in the balance. (Did you know Jesus himself speaks of Hell in the Bible? See Matthew chapter 5.)
Here's one author's paraphrase of some very famous Bible verses which makes it crystal clear: "“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him."
Olivia Newton-John's Greatest Hits Deluxe Edition, a 2 LP special set sounds absolutely terrific on vinyl! Covering her earlier pre-Grease hits, there's more than a country tinge to the numbers, but Olivia soars above it all with lighter than air lead vocals and plenty of layering of that unique voice. I Honestly Love You, Please Mr. Please, and If Not For You shine! Not to be outdone, Something Better to Do and Have You Never Been Mellow sound even better if that's possible. Olivia's version of Don't Cry for Me Argentina is here as well. It was released in 1977 around the time of Carpenters' album Passage which also included the song. In one more connection with Karen Carpenter, the cover photo of this Olivia package but shot by French photographer Claude Mougin who also took the photos for Karen's one and only solo album.
What a wonderful listen this collection is! A very worthy addition to your audio library.
The passing of Olivia Newton-John has led to many wonderful tributes and stories. Some of the most touching are ones on the Steve Hoffman Music Forum, the stories where fans got to meet her face to face. It led me to think of my own time of meeting Olivia's dear friend, Karen Carpenter.
For those of you who aren't aware, Olivia and Karen were very good friends. She wrote about Karen in her book, Don't Stop Believin', and they were there for each other in good and bad times as good friends are... in Karen's case, Olivia was there from Karen's mid career years to her disastrous marriage and then at her funeral. Her in concert tribute performance of Close to You is even more precious now.
The friends together with Robin Gibb.
In the spirit of telling how human we all are, famous or not, I retell the following story with much gratefulness for being given the opportunity to meet both Karen and Richard Carpenter - and with a fair amount of sadness over the loss of one more musical icon of my youth.
Beyond my vast collection of Carpenters, I probably own more Olivia music than any other artist. Back then, I discovered the first album I bought, Come On Over. In typical teenage boy fashion, I hadn't heard much of her music aside from the country types songs on the radio, but I bought the album for the cover. Little did I know I'd like what I heard in the grooves. A lot.
Thanks to my wife, I'd see Olivia live twice. Once during the Physical tour and once in the 90s. Our seats were so good that I could see the lines on her face. She was older- like the rest of her fans- but every bit as beautiful as in her younger years if not more so. Something time gives us as we age gracefully.
One day I will post all the photos I have of Olivia and Karen together, but above are a few of my favorites. For now, please enjoy my own tale of meeting a musical idol face to face and enjoying a bit of conversation with her.
UPDATE: Billy Rees, a huge fan of both singers, posted his tribute here- and it inludes these colorized photos (below):
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The Night I Met Karen Carpenter
Long time readers of this blog or those who share on the A&M Corner discussion boards have never really read the story of me meeting my favorite vocalist: Karen Carpenter. Until recently, I never even thought that I hadn't told the story, but in researching for this post, I discovered I shared a bit of it as part of my review of one of their live albums.
The year was 1976, just shortly after the release of the Carpenters' "A Kind of Hush", a soft and sweet pop confection that wasn't the highlight of their career (perhaps even, sadly, marking the beginning of their less than stellar chart performance in the latter half of the 70s), but it quickly became a sentimental disc for more than a few reasons.
I was finally of the age to go to Las Vegas, and I knew the duo would be performing at the Riviera Hotel in July. Living only a 5 hour drive away, it wasn't a tough job to convince my sister to go with me. It's a good thing I did as she is the one that got us backstage. But that part of the story comes later.
Reservations booked to stay at the hotel and for two shows. The dinner and late night show the first evening, and the return home on the second. Besides the expected clothing choices I packed, there were two very important pieces I just had to bring: my trusty camera to document it all and a "Cooking for Two" cookbook I had planned to give Miss Carpenter. Just in case.
The opening act.
Looking back now, perhaps the duo and their management in particular had learned a bit from the unfortunate debacle with singer Neil Sedaka the previous year, Karen and Richard's opening act was comedian David Brenner. I do not remember much about him except the fact that his monologue was filthy. Funny, yes, but filthy- and I'm no prude. I grew up on late night television and watched Johnny Carson regularly with my grandmother. Probably I can't recall much as I wasn't there to see him. I could hardly wait for Karen to grace the stage.
Rather than recount the song list, which was remarkably similar to what appeared on Live at The Palladium (reviewed by me here), I'll focus on the evening itself.
We weren't seated in the best seats, but I bravely tipped for a better one- and much to my surprise, it worked. We had a fairly good view of all the action to come. I could hardly stand it. I have to thank my sister for being so patient with me while I had total geek out moments all night.
Starting with the voiceover announcing Richard and the swell of the opening music, it was time for the real show to begin. He walked out confidently to a good amount of applause, and then he took a modest bow and his place at the piano. As "Flat Baroque" gave way to "Only Yesterday", my heart pounded as I heard Karen's voice while she was offstage. When she walked out on stage, the crowd erupted with applause and even a few hoots and hollers. This lasted who quite awhile, making it pretty clear that in the public's mind, Karen was the star. How hard that must have been for Richard night after night!
The opening words of "There's a Kind of Hush" came playfully from Karen once we had all quieted down. Her extended phrasing on the words "all over the world" proved she could milk that line for all its worth. It was sensual and enticing, creating an intimacy with the audience and making it feel as if only two people were in the room. This is something Peter Noone from Herman's Hermits would never have been able to pull off. (Love their stuff and their version of "Hush", but c'mon.) What a great way to begin the song! After hearing her sing this song live, I wished she and Richard would have done the same treatment of it on the album version of "Hush". Imagine having two versions- the 45 as it was and the differing "Vegas" arrangement. Had it been 1978 and not 1976, to do this this type of slow start would have been all the range a la Donna Summer's version of Last Dance.
Anyway... if any of my close friends or family had ever doubted I was a Carpenters fan before, my sister was there to tell them as of that night, there would never be a doubt. Not only was Karen lovely, she was quite the performer. Regardless of all the great music and showmanship that came after this, I could never really take my eyes off her the rest of the night. Every time I listen to "Palladium", I get that same rush. It's instantly yesterday once more.
One listen, and I'm back in Vegas...
Following it with a delicate and heartfelt version of "I Need to Be in Love" proved Karen was every bit as gifted in person as she was in the studio. Since this is really isn't an album review, I'll stop here. (But let me say the infamous Grease medley was a lot of fun to watch in person!)
Between performances, we walked out of the showroom. Then came concert number two- as precisely perfect and an exact copy of the first one. I walked out dazed, so impressed with the talent of my favorite duo. Then the unexpected happened.
A bit of Grease pre-Olivia and Travolta- and a lot of falsies.
God bless her- my sister had the guts to ask the security guard if we could meet Karen and Richard backstage. He left, and we waited. As thrilled as I was to see Karen and Richard in concert, I would never expect I would get to meet them. Returning with an affirmative answer, we followed him backstage. I just panicked inside. What if my favorite singer was rude or uninterested? I'd be heartbroken.
As it turned out, thankfully, my fears were unfounded. Karen was down to earth and friendly. I noticed how small and thin she was, but she did not look unhealthy. I remember thinking she was much prettier in person, beautiful really, more than any photograph could capture.
We spoke briefly with her, Karen asking if we enjoyed the show and me thanking her for the music. I was surprisingly untongue-tied. I remember sharing my favorite songs with her, mentioning "I Need to Be in Love" and "Solitaire". She smiled politely, and said she was glad I enjoyed it. I handed her the gift, and she thanked me. It seemed as if she was genuinely touched by my generosity and thoughtfulness. But in comparison, what could I give the woman who gave me so many hours of listening pleasure?
Bummer of the night? I had no film left in my camera as I has used all my shots for the evening's performances! After a few more words with Karen, we walked by Richard, who was sitting in a room. He briefly waved and then returned to business matters- and the many women who were waiting around him. My sister and I were then escorted out to the hallway from which we entered.
I was dazed, surprised, and oddly affected. Perhaps at peace knowing my favorite vocalist was a lovely and kind, real live woman. The most important piece of the night would come a year later when Karen would be used to introduce me to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
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There are also numerous stand alone posts about Karen and Richard Carpenter highlighting different aspects of their career, recordings, and life. I've also written extensively about their music, album by album, and how each affected their career and my life. Since there are parts about my life, you'll also get a glimpse of what it meant to grow up in Southern California during the 70s.
Below is the list of my initial reviews and then my "Revisited /Fresh Look" reviews a decade later.
Such sad news for a Monday! I'd been blessed to see Olivia Newton-John live in concert twice. Grease made me laugh, her albums - and their covers- made me smile. Even watched Xanadu a few times. ;)
Pop hits to country to lullabys, Olivia could do it all with style, grace, and loads of charm. Her duet partners were numerous, everyone from Cliff Richard to Andy Gibb, to ELO, John Farnham and beyond. (Oh how I wish she'd done that much talked about duet with her good friend Karen Carpenter.)
I wrote about her quite a bit on the Insights and Sounds blog. Here. Here. Here. A look at the hits and more and a look at her view on life. There's even several more places right on this site waiting to be discovered. And a good amount of photos, too.
Proof positive that some ideas on paper look good but should never be acted upon. In the music world in 1978, putting together a movie with Peter Frampton, the Bee Gees, and a whole slew of pop music stars to celebrate work of the Beatles doesn't sound so bad. Toss in soundtrack that includes one of the best tracks ever cut by Earth, Wind, and Fire and you're sure to have a smash, right? Wrong.
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - the movie and the album- were a creative flop and garnered little financial success. Grease was the word due to the chemistry of Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. But this was a mistake on too many levels, artwork aside.
It was all a crazy move- but it is absolutely nothing compared to the actions and reactions to the presidential election and what currently is happening in Washington D.C. and our country. Lord, help us!
Want to spend an hour with Olivia Newton-John? You can. Go to this incredible interview with 60 Minutes Australia, and you'll see for yourself why this woman is so much more than decades of hits and a pretty face. Go here.
What hasn't been said about Olivia Newton-John? Not only does she seem to be one of the nicest musical artists of the last several decades, her artistry goes far beyond what meets the eye. Here's a look at some of my favorites, Top Ten and More:
"Deeper Than A River" (1992): Though long past her hit making days, this country tinged ballad had all the right elements- and it had me looking once again at a vocalist I'd mostly forgotten at that point in time. Sometimes an artist's most interesting work is when they've moved on from Pop Radio hits.
"Suddenly" (1980): Yes, Cliff Richard and Olivia together. Always a winning combination. "I Can't Help It" (1980): This duet with the Bee Gees younger brother, the late Andy Gibb. Itunexpectedly draws you in. It's the perfect match of breathy vocals from both and a very delicate but simply effective arrangement. A piece of perfect late night ear candy I still listen to on my I pod. Made my very long and lonely evening drives on a delivery route all the more enjoyable. "Hopelessly Devoted to You" (1978): Did you expect I'd leave this out? No way! The Grease solo smash- still love it to this day. You just have to not like music to not appreciate the retro coolness of this record. "Dancin'" (1980): This 40's meets 80's blend with punk rockers The Tubes shocked me upon first watch at the movies (Xanadu). But I just loved it immediately. Layer upon layer of Olivia vocals with a swinging beat and big band style. Guilty perfection. Who could ask for more! (Well, maybe a full version of the song with The Tubes edited out?!?)
Friends Olivia and Karen.
Just imagine their once talked about duet!
"Summertime" (2004): From the Indigo-Women of Song project, an album often overlooked in her lengthy collection. I had wrongly thought we needed to leave the basement register vocals to Olivia's friend Karen Carpenter. I was wrong. Olivia hits bottom in a good way, and the end result is a perfectly respectable take on an American classic. A very nice listen than holds its own with all the other versions.
"Make A Move On Me" (1981): From the Physical album. The keyboard works hard against a spunky and convincing Olivia begging for something better to do- "Won't you spare me all the charms, and take me in your arms." This song had men everywhere getting in line to take her up on the offer.
"Dancin' Round and Round" (1978): From the first album post-Grease, Olivia threw in this gentle country cut. She didn't leave old fans behind, she just brought new ones along with this newest release. All around a Totally Hot album. "Lovers" (1975): To some, this was a toss away song and album. Yet this quiet tale of the effects of love lost was quite mature in the midst of songs about puppies, brotherly devotion, and summer love. It still holds up to this day. "The Way You Look Tonight" (1989): After the failed attempt at cashing in one too many times on the nice-girl-gone-bad image (Soul Kiss), Olivia returned to a nice girl as a new mommy. The home project brought her one of her most beautiful albums, Warm and Tender. Nice, very nice.
"I Honestly Love You" (1974 and 1998) Both versions are classic. We all know the original, but with Babyface playing and singing in the background, their remake is just as great. Dare I say that the 1998 video is even better than the original?
"You're the One That I Want" (1978): I couldn't help it. It's pure fun, pure magic- and who can resist singing along with the chorus? C'mon. You know you want to.
Even though we cannot rightly claim her as our own, Olivia Newton-John definitely falls into the All American Girl category! The recent news of the return of her cancer brings her fans news we never wanted to hear. However, as with many others who have endured this battle, don't count her out yet! I believe she still has many more years of music in her! Just pray, ask and watch. Suffering exists in the world ever since the fall of man back at creation. God doesn't always answer prayer in the way we would like, but He is always Good and always Kind. Hang in there, Olivia! We're praying for you.
Olivia Newton-John, the All-American Girl (Aussie woman) with a long and prosperous musical career, has just released her new duet video with John Travolta: I Think You Might Like It. Hoping to capitalize on the immortal success of You're the One That I Want from Grease, the two gather together once more for a benefit Christmas album, This Christmas.
It's a pretty harmless piece of fluff- with a wonderful car- but it got me thinking about how Olivia has had some incredible successes along the way. So, I'd like to present my Top Ten favorite Olivia songs. Your mileage may vary. In no particular order:
"Deeper Than A River" (1992): Though long past her hit making days, this country tinged ballad had all the right elements- and it had me looking once again at a vocalist I'd mostly forgotten.
"I Can't Help It" (1980): Duet with the late Andy Gibb. It's the perfect match of breathy vocals from both and a delicate but simply effective arrangement. A piece of perfect late night ear candy. Made my long evening drives on a delivery route all the more enjoyable.
"Hopelessly Devoted to You" (1978): The Grease solo smash- still love it to this day. You just have to not like music to not appreciate the retro coolness of this record.
"Dancin'" (1980): This 40's meets 80's blend with punk rockers The Tubes shocked me upon first watch at the movies (Xanadu). But I loved it immediately. Layers and layers of Olivia vocals with a swinging beat and big band style. Guilty perfection. Who could ask for more! (Well, maybe a full version of the song with The Tubes edited out?!?)
"Summertime" (2004): From the Indigo-Women of Song project. I had wrongly thought we needed to leave the basement register vocals to Karen Carpenter. I was wrong. Olivia hits bottom in a good way, and the end result is a perfectly respectable take on an American classic.
"Make A Move On Me" (1981): From the Physical album. The keyboard works hard against a spunky and convincing Olivia begging for something better to do- "Won't you spare me all the charms, and take me in your arms." This song had men everywhere getting in line to take her up on the offer.
"Dancin' Round and Round" (1978): From the first album post-Grease, Olivia threw in this gentle country cut. All around a Totally Hot album.
"Lovers" (1975): To some, this was a toss away song and album. Yet this quiet tale of the effects of love lost was quite mature in the midst of songs about puppies, brotherly devotion, and summer love.
"The Way You Look Tonight" (1989): After the failed attempt at cashing in once too many times on the nice-girl-gone-bad image (Soul Kiss), Olivia returned to a nice girl as a new mommy. The home project brought her one of her most beautiful albums, Warm and Tender. Nice, very nice.
"You're the One That I Want" (1978): I couldn't help it. It's pure fun, pure magic- and who can resist singing along with the chorus? C'mon. You know you want to.
Always loved this pic of Olivia Newton-John. It reminds me of the fresh-faced young woman with the sweet singing voice and when she spoke, the charming Australian accent. Back then, there was no need for trendiness or a revision of persona. Her voice and the songs she sang carried it all quite successfully, thank you very much. And then there was Grease with John Travolta, and nothing would ever be the same.
