6 questions with Olivia Newton-John
Since her first U.S. hit in 1971, Olivia Newton-John has maintained standing as a beloved artist across a demographic swath that is practically unparalleled. A staple at country, pop, AC and dance, she has logged more than 40 songs on The Billboard Hot 100. Her new “Grace & Gratitude” - Newton-John’s 30th album - available exclusively at Walgreens, is her way of trying to return the favor.
“Grace & Gratitude” is beautiful, serene, accepting. Please explain the concept, why the time was right and what you hope listeners will gain from it.
I really made this for myself as a journey of healing, and I feel that in doing so maybe I can help other people who have gone through something difficult as well. I had a difficult year, so [producer/co-writer] Amy Sky and I got together and both had ideas… In five days we wrote seven songs. If you asked me where they came from now, we can’t even imagine how we did it, but it just flowed through us.
And the title?
The title came from the idea that no matter what you’ve gone through, if you have gratitude for something, it creates a feeling of well-being, it al-ways makes you feel good to thank whatever it is that you want to thank: the universe, the planet. the god you believe in.
The disc is an exclusive with Walgreens, where you also have a new line of women’s wellness products. How did the alliance come about?
I met with Walgreens, because they were interested in my Olivia Breast Health Kit and Olivia Breast Health Dietary Supplement, and I had the idea that we should put them together with the CD-that music is part of the healing and the wellness. I went to the Walgreens offices at 9 in the morning with my computer, under fluorescent lights and sang with a track to the head of the company… He got together the head of the music department and the women’s health department and said, “I don’t know how you’re going to make this happen. but do.”
The breast health exam kit is designed to help women find lumps more easily. It’s like a magnifying glass for your fingers, so if you have any changes whatsoever it will show the lumps much more easily. We’re giving 10% of the profits to the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization and the City of Hope, which is another reason Walgreens is partnering with me, because they’re also giving money.
So you’ve been entertaining for more than 35 years. What keeps it rewarding, and what do you most enjoy now?
I love the writing and the creative part of the process. It’s such a rush when you’re writing a song, and I get to use my brain. I also really enjoy the recording process. And now I like the touring. I’ve learned to let go of a lot of the fear A few times I’ve thought of retiring and I think, “OK, what would I do that I like better?” I couldn’t think of anything. What an amazing position to be in.
Everyone has a favorite Elton John or Beach Boys song - and a favorite Olivia song. What is yours?
Oh, there are many that bring back a memory or a feeling. I never tire of performing “I Honestly Love You,” because every night I find something new in that song; it’s such an amazing lyric and melody.
John Farrar wrote so many great songs that are all spiritual and haunting in their own way. His melodies are beautiful, and they go to unexpected places and they’re so timeless. There are some more obscure songs of his like “Suspended in Time” and “Falling” that are incredible. And “Suddenly.” He was very deep, Mr. Farrar. Stevie Kipner also wrote me great songs.
Looking over all of it, do you have a prized memory that stands above all others?
There are so many, of course. Singing with Cliff Richard on television in the early days, the Sydney Olympics where I sang with John Farnham. But overall, “Grease” was the most fun in every area: It was a blast to make, the music is great, and people still seem to love those songs. The whole “Grease” experience was magical. That was a gift.