Newsmen did share of gaping at singer (press event after Allentown concert)
By Dan Pearson Of The Morning Call
Pardon the cliche, but singing star Olivia Newton-John can accurately be described as a “living doll.”
She has such attractive, pristine features that her face appears to have been carefully sculptured in ivory.
Lehigh Valley newsmen did their share of gaping at the former Australian resident as she responded to their questions last night at the Allentown Fair grandstand stage.
“I don’t like working in the daytime (darkness does not fall until about 8:30 p.m.),” said Olivia, as she sat on a wooden folding chair dressed in a midi-length print frock and platform sandals. “I can see them out there scratching their beads, drinking soda and going off to the food stands. That bothers me.”
At night, Olivia allowed, she feels the enchantment of theater and it enables her to get more into a mood for performing.
Why is it that she has a dainty British accent when she speaks, but loses it when she sings in that plaintive Nashville style?
“Nobody sings with a British accent really. Your vowels become broader and you sound much different,” she replied.
A native of Wales, Olivia established a home in Los Angeles last November. It is an ideal location for her recording work and television appearances.
“I didn’t know there was any difference between country and the Top Forty when I came to the United States,” said Olivia when asked about her interest in the methods for rating records.
“I like country musie because it suits my voice. But I don’t want to put myself in a bag.”
The trim 5 foot 6 performer observed that she had chosen more romantic ballads for her latest album and that she keeps an open mind on different types of music to record.
While she intends to visit England for several weeks this year, she commented: “I live in the U.S. because my career is much bigger here.”
Asked if she dislikes touring in a bus and living out of a suitcase, Olivia conceded that road shows can become a physical grind.
“But five weeks it not too bad this time,” she said.
Bothered by scratchy throat earlier in the day, Olivia solved the problem with honey dissolved in hot tea.