You are quite right. She was in a movie when she was young, I can’t remember the name. It was about space. But some of her harmonies in that were AMAZING. Most people don’t know.
Her range has always left me speechless. Always wanted her to do more theatrical musicals and opera. She can make her voice sound like some many instruments
Who's more versatile than Olivia Newton-John? No one can touch her. She's influenced so much, but is criminally underappreciated. She was IT in the '70s through the mid-'80s. She, Streisand and Donna Summer were that era's Trinity. Every straight guy wished to date her, and every girl (and many guys) wanted to BE her. I can go on about her for hours. Once-in-a-lifetime talent that is unappreciated these days because she's a crooner rather than a belter.
R.i.P. Olivia Newton-John. As an Aussie, it's a very sad day here. Thank you for highlighting an incredible vocal performer and incredibly wonderful person.
Olivia not only sings with an almost incomparable range, and control, this woman who has been my favorite singer for fifty years now, since age seven, the very first time I heard her on the radio, and the woman I have had a crush on for almost as long, sings with EMOTION. She sang and sings without auto-tune, does perfect tracks and backing vocals. There will never, ever be anyone like Olivia Newton-John, the world's sweetheart, and tremendous humanitarian. She also learned as a young woman in Australia, on television, how to use, and look at the camera, which along with her tremendous voice, beauty and emotion, instantly made much of the world instantly fall head over heels with her voice; and beauty. I will forever love Olivia, and she will always be my favorite vocalist of all time, until I am dead.
I see these beautiful comments written shortly before her passing and it hits me harder than expected. I love her too, her beauty, talent and voice have been my refuge from the ugliness of the world, the fact that she endured physical pain for so long proves how unfair life can be. She didn't go anywhere, she's in my heart, forever.
@@Ciclopea2 I love your post. Music often times when just listening by yourself, brings you joy you simply can't explain. Olivia's voice, music and songs have brought me such joy and happiness, still, thousands of hours, and hundreds of songs later. I love a lot of artists voices and songs/music, but Olivia just had that certain special factor in many categories. Maybe first, and foremost was the joy she brought. But for me, the beauty of her voice will always get me. Every single time. And I know darn well, it just wasn't her. She had wonderful teams if songwriters, producers, musicians, and so on. All this time, I just wished the same happiness and joy that she brought to millions, to her to be happy. Life has it's ups and downs for everyone, but the joy she continues to bring me through music and movies is infinitesimal.
She was never underrated In her day she was huge!! Everyone loved her. Anyone that says she was underrated was not living in the 80’s. Lol.. or they were just a baby… back then
@@havensmm9308 There are no set metrics for comparing musical Artists, so it is false, to claim any person was underrated, which you find all over UA-cam. It's just speak for lazy people, who have no idea what else to write. In this case, Olivia sold millions, had I think about 14 Gold albums and was adored the world over. Underrated compared with whom?
To watch the outpouring of love and respect for Olivia since she passed away tells you what an amazing person she was and how much she was admired as a person and a performer. RIP Olivia. What a gift she was to the world.
What an excellent breakdown by Fil for why everyone recognizes Olivia Newton John’s exceptional level of talent… but mostly without the depth of understanding that Fil’s explanation brings to us here. Keep the songs, the voices, and your fun and informative reviews coming, Fil! YOU ROCK!!! :D
I had the privilege to meet her and her sister when she was doing a concert in Copenhagen. I was doing hair and makeup for the concert that included among others Tina Turner, Morten Harkert of A-ha fame. Olivia wanted to have her bangs shorter and I offered to cut them but she told me she had been cutting her own bangs for years, so she ended up borrowing my scissors and cutting them herself. She was very nice and down to earth, and made everyone feel like they mattered. And this was shortly after her boyfriend vanished during a fishing trip of the coast of Los Angeles and was presumed dead.
That about brought tears to my eyes. She is an amazingly talented, incredible human being. I've always thought the Xanadu soundtrack was ahead of its time. Thank you SO much for this video!
@Haven SMM - Thanks for the BS reply, but that's all irrelevant. The word rated, generally means, graded, measured, you know, appraised. So when some Shmuck has a view of such and such a singer is underrated, I'm quick to ask, by which metric - Okay
@@havensmm9308 - Underrated is not more of a quantitative measure, it is a de facto measurement and by definition, there has to be one or more metrics, if one example is underrated, when compared with another. The statement used here is simply wrong and there is no argument about it, since there is no method to qualify the term underrated, or even under appreciated. Thanks
She was greatly underrated as a singer. I always loved the way she often did that "voice crack" or "yodeling" thing with her voice (don't know the official term for that). She could sing anything. Even belt out rock songs which is something I wish she had done more of. She was amazing at her peak. Wonderful analysis.
I was that little girl too (maybe 10?) playing my 45 of I Honestly Love You over, and over, and over again. Then this one and all of them that came after 😊. I knew way back then that her voice and Karen Carpenter's voice were some kind of special.
As we know she is currently battling stage 4 cancer in her early 70's. I for one am not ready for her departure. If it does happen, I will be in denial. I hope she is around with us for many more years.
So pleased you did an expert analysis of Olivia. I've been boring everyone around me for years on how technically great she is. Superb vid! Many thanks :)
I have always loved "Sam", one of my favorites by her. It is just such a great song and a great showcase for her voice. Should have been a bigger hit, but sometimes that is just the way. A nice gem for us who love good music. I was in the Air Force, 1980, just 18 and bought her Greatest Hits (early years). I used to get drunk at the NCO club (Monterey, CA - Defense Language Institute, Presidio of Monterey, studying Russian 8 hours a day, five days a week, a fantastic time in my life) go back to my dorm room and put that on my headphones in bed and just doze off to her voice singing those great old songs.
Absolutely gutted today...Olivia was my first boyhood crush, and I've remained in love with her. She was absolutely wonderful, on and off stage. May she Rest in Peace. 💔😔💔😔
Longtime producer John Farrar once said Olivia was the purest vocal talents he's ever worked with! She would come into the studio and just nail it on the first take! Then she would say I could do it better and then she would! That being said... Monday, God called back one of his angels to heaven, We have all been blessed for many years with your angelic voice. your loving heart and the beauty of a Goddess among mortals. Our lives are truly better for the gift that has been bestowed upon us, Millions fell in love with you from afar and those who have had the privileged to meet you in person actually fell in love with you. You have touched our hearts, our minds and our souls and will forever hold a special place within us, Rest in peace Olivia. We will always love you.
Aw, she mesmerized everyone instantly! She always put her whole heart into her performances. I grew up watching her and singing along with her songs. I haven't heard this one in decades. I had not seen this performance. Some of the highest notes I've heard her hit. Extra points for the 80's hair!
THIS! One of my live-in girlfriends bought me this concert on VHS cassette, as a gift back in the day. Wouldn't I live to sing a duet with her; STILL! My musical fantasy, and they could be in their eighties, and I wouldn't care, would be to have Olivia sing in one ear, and Agnetha and Frieda from ABBA sing in the other.
What a performance, never fully appreciated her. But you left out one crucial feature, and that was the fact that she was singing a very complex melody, almost jazz-like in nature, idiosyncratic, and she nailed every note, never sounded flat. Wow. Amazing. Thanks as always.
Olivia has been always so underrated. As others have said very versatile. Thank you Fil for explaining to the world how good. I have seen her perform live a few times and she proves she is a real singer. No extra bells and whistles required. Just the beauty of her voice.
I have such admiration for Olivia! This concert not only shows what an amazing singer she is, but what a great entertainer she is, connecting with the audience, the band and the camera seemingly so effortlessly. Love her! ❤️
As you know the 1970's had a wide range musical style and sounds Olivia's soft vocal was much a part of my teen years as rock and roll was. I know she has ongoing health issues with breast cancer and back pain wishing her minimal pain as possable.
Dude, a rock dude myself, I canNOT believe you hit any song at all from this show, to me it’s one of the greatest vocal performers EVER, front-to-back of the entire show. ONJ was DEF at her vocal peak in ‘82, I would loooove to hear you do this type of reaction to Silvery Rain and then secondly Jolene from this show. MAGIC is also SO much better and breathtaking vocally live than on record. To this day I don’t think her voice has ever been FULLY done it’s justice on a studio recording, and they all sound pretty damn good anyway! She is SO much better and full -sounding vocally live ❤️🔥🌻✌️ Groove on dude!
And yet, she's not only singing perfectly live here, I have this show on V.H S tape, she does the whole show, along with the choreography, traveling the entire stage with wardrobe changes. She was still working just as hard, being the true professional entertainer and singer she is, years later when I saw her. Back in 71 or 72, when I lived in Austria, we were taking a road trip. We were driving through Portugal, and I saw she was in the matinee/sign of this small club where she was going to perform the following night. There was no way I could convince my father and the rest of the family to get a hotel room, and catch the show the next night, so I didn't even try. Years later I took my own family to see her, sending a note and roses backstage before the show.
What a lyrical gymnast! She was truly one of a kind and this world will definitely notice her passing now and forever! Go sing with them angels Dame Olivia and thank you from the bottom of our ❤️!
@@samuelm.5752 Sheena has a more powerful voice than Olivia. Olivia hands down had a cleaner ethereal quality. If you listen to Sheena's early recordings, you could tell she was being marketed as an Olivia competitor. Besides having the same wardrobe designers, songs like You Do It, has Sheena singing exactly how Olivia would have sounded on that song. My biggest disappointment was MCA records pushed Sheena into the R&B sound which revitalized her career, but I was hoping for Olivia to had been pushed in that direction instead. Soul Kiss came close though.
@@samuelm.5752 I completely agree. Sheena was my go to after Olivia stopped pushing commercial pop after Soul Kiss. Sheena's The Lover In Me and What Comes Naturally albums were my wish Olivia done this stuff materials. I Need Love came in 92 and I was loving this sound. But then the illness change Olivia completely. Chemo and aged probably affected the crispness and clarity in Olivia's once pure voice. I would pick Olivia's voice over Sheena's anyday.
Beautiful lady with a great voice. Olivia has had so many great hits such as "I Honestly Love You", "If Not for You", "Let Me Be There", "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)", "Have You Never Been Mellow", "Hopelessly Devoted To You" & her duet with John Travolta "You're the One That I Want" & "Summer Nights" (from movie Grease).
Dagmar: thanks for reminding me of her hits that I loved. “If Not For You”. “Let Me Be There” and I do remember absolutely loving “You’re the One That I Love”.
I saw this concert with a friend on VHS in 1985. I vividly remember how emotional we felt. My friend even cried of happiness. We were in our teens - she was our idol, our muse - Xanadu was our special place. He died in 2004. Now he must be happy because Olivia is also in heaven.
OMG!! I've never been so favourably shocked in all my life listening to this. I absolutely adore Olivia and listened to her songs religiously growing up in the 70's and 80's. I was blown completely away by her range just then. I have her album with this song on it but this Live version was outstanding. ✨🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 What a pure superstar ✨🙏🏾💜💜💜🌺 Love & Miss you Olivia.
*I can't... I just can't... I just can't stop crying now when I listen to her... I miss her dearly...deeply... she meant so much to all of us... crying now as I type... Rest In Peace... a new angel was welcomed in heaven to lead choirs... Godspeed to Chloe and the the rest of her inner circle... God Bless*
She has so much variety with that lovely voice. She can do airy/mysterious like in “Magic”, emotionally tortured like here, sultry/sexy like “A Little More Love”. And her voice is so pleasingly sweet. Thanks for doing this piece on her, Fil - she has always been one of my faves😍
I remember when that concert was on HBO a lot, man I would catch it whenever I could. I must have seen it 50 times. It was fantastic from beginning to end-- the songs, her outfits, the hair, that beautiful voice, all on point. When I was a kid she was my idol. When Grease came out everyone used to tell me I looked just like her, it was the biggest compliment ever lol. Xanadu is still one of my favorite comfort films for sick days, cheesy as it is I still have the VHS tape AND the DVD in my tv cabinet. I had all her albums from the 70s thru the 90s; if she put one out, I bought it. Today she keeps popping up in my recommended videos and I am so saddened by her passing, she was such a beautiful and talented human being. RIP Olivia 😢
Watching all the videos of Olivia and came across this. She was a true talented powerhouse singer. Sure will miss her being here on earth. Rest In Peace.
I fell in love with ONJ after seeing her sing this song on the midnight special. Her passion and commitment to the vocal was spellbinding. I've loved her ever since. Her voice causes chemical reactions in my brain that just feel so damn good.
I've never seen this performance with her fil or knew she demonstrate this technique she has a wonderful beautiful voice love her singing and love her voice in grease she is wonderful such a great live singer amazing performance
@@aaronshotts6849 That is an amazing concert. I saw her concert, in the Dallas area, back in 1982. It was truly one of the best shows I have attended and there have been many.
Well thank you Fil. I think we forget about Olivia. Time has a cruel ambivalence. Being a singer myself, what she does here is insane to do in a recording session and “other worldly” to do live. No, I cannot do this even in my range, lol. But I know amazing when I hear it. Wow I never realized how good she really was.
I’ve been a fan of hers for close to 40 years. Little 9-year-old me clocked that she was an exceptional vocalist - and that she made it all look so effortless that many wouldn’t fully appreciate it - but it’s great to have a technical explanation of just how extraordinary her vocal technique actually is. Thanks for this brilliant video! 🙏
I'm right there with you bud. I always though well of her, but this concert, which i saw on HBO in 1982, instantly turned me into a huge fan. Been loving her ever since.
@@propre6033 Yes, this was the concert that hooked me, too. I had seen her in Grease, and I had seen the Let's Get Physical TV special - both of which I loved - but this just blew me away. Got her 1982 Greatest Hits compilation for my birthday in 1983, and there was no going back...
Beautiful. I think this is my favourite song of Olivia's and I've bought her albums since the 70s. I remember her back in the day when she started out with a singing partner, Pat Carroll, who went on to marry John Farrar. I'm very sad that she left us just two days ago 😥 RIP Olivia, you will be missed 😪💖
RIP Olivia Newton-John, the ultimate. Try to find an Olivia Newton-John video that does not describe her as "angelic". But, Fil, your video here is a tremendous tribute to her as the ultimate female vocalist and I hope many people see it over the years.
I saw her at the Paris in Vegas some years back. 35 piece band. When she came out it was almost a little breathtaking. One of the finest voices and she still had some of her highest notes available.
She's been such a lovely part of the soundtrack of our lives in the US, too. Thanks for illuminating her vocal skill so well! I noticed we can't say the word "air" without a lot of air.
Thank you for bringing back Olivia into my life. You actually made me understand why I loved her singing so much in the 70’s. The best part of her performances was that my 1st wife also liked her.
She's my idol... I wanted to be her...i Always tried to sing like Olivia even though it's impossible for me... So unique and distinctive... This was such an amazing video to confirm what we know...
She is one of those artists that I have never really enjoyed her songs...but at the same time have always appreciated how good her voice is. Like she is amazing just not my style. Also she is a really neat person. Thanks for the analysis.
Perhaps you haven't checked out enough of her songs. She has a vast catalogue. She started in country music. I'm biased; I love all her stuff. The Xanadu soundtrack is hard not to like.
@@propre6033 thanks. I think a lot of the people that follow this channel like a big variety of music genres and musicians ..and can respect each other and artists even if they aren't our 'cup of tea'.
As a hard rock guy I never would have gave songs like this a second listen. Fil's genius lies in his ability to teach the rest of us how to hear and appreciate a song like he does. My musical world has greatly expanded because of him. I'm now an Olivia Newton John fan but don't tell anyone
Maybe the best interpretation of Sam ever... Olivia has been a Giant as Artist and Woman... One of the most important and best singers of the Contemporary Times by far... RIP Livvy!!!
I am glad you did this Fil. I have always loved Olivia Newton-John. I have watched this concert many, many times. Each time I am blown away with her power, her pitch, and how she can sign about any style flawlessly. She is amazing!
Sam is one of the most beautiful song that Olivia sung !!!! I remember when I saw her in concert me and other person knew about that song !!! In fact, she asked who really knew it !!!! I was so thrilled listen her in second row !!! I love her so much !!!! Read her book, buy all her music and saw all her movies !!! Of course I have my dvd grease !!!!
Watched this video again. I always liked her music, and I've been a fan of her for a very long time. But to be honest, I was not aware of the extent of her true vocal talent. Thank you for this analysis. It does much to explain just exactly how good at her art, she really was.
Good review. She sung from the heart from situations. The best the greatest what can I say. Rip Olivia thanks what you've left making our world a better place
When I say Olivia has the voice of an Angel, I really believe if Angels do sing they would sound like exactly like Olivia Newton John. Vocally unique Olivia take you to so many different places spiritually. Also she has the uncanny ability to sing directly into the camera as if she's singing only to you in the audience. I've seen Olivia 3x in concert! Just phenomenal! She has an aurora of true authenticity 😇
I’m so glad you analyzed Olivia’s singing voice. I have absolutely adored her my whole life. I really appreciate her being appreciated. Especially considering what’s going on with her now. Olivia was and is so much more than a huge pop and country star. She was always involved with great causes. She always seemed incredibly kind and humble. She was and still is gorgeous. Then, on top of that, that crystal clear angelic voice. I saw her in concert again about five or six years ago. I don’t know how she could still sound so amazing. She has shown immense strength, will power, and grace in her many years battle with cancer. I wish her all the best. Thank you again for giving her just a bit of the credit she is due.
I'd forgotten how good ONJ was back then. Most people remember just one song "Physical", or her work in Grease, and those were far from her best work. Thanks for doing her justice. She is a great singer and person.
Depending on how she felt on any given night, Olivia would SOAR with the highest notes on "Sam" & "Jolene"...no soundboards, etc. A pure singer - artist. God, she will be so missed. Her power & range were so much stronger than it was here in 1982. Nobody else like her. RIP to a beautiful soul.
I appreciate when you explain whatever technique a singer is utilizing because it helps me understand why I had to practice so much as a kid, trying to imitate the voices I heard on the radio. One of my happiest moments was finally being able to hit the ending note of, "Hopelessly Devoted to You." I had no vocal training until I was in my 20s, so everything I did until that point was basically self taught. I actually ruined my voice due to bad technique. I lost my voice entirely (singing and speaking!) for about a year. It wasn't until after many medical tests ruled out anything like growths/cancer that I found a wonderful voice teacher. He helped me unlearn bad habits, establish correct ones, and get my voice back, better than ever.
Fil, another great analysis of our darling Olivia. Many have commented on her genius in a variety of musical genres. This is a pretty complex piece, and her voice takes us effortlessly through it.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! What an awesome analysis of one of my favourite songs sung by Olivia and you have done such a wonderful appreciation of her talent and awe-inspiring voice! 🥰
She is very underrated for her voice. She was one of my first crushes as a little boy. My dad listened to country music and that’s how I first heard her. I know she got more famous for her pop style songs, but her ballads are incredible. Hopelessly Devoted to You is my favorite ballad of hers. The live performance I believe on Midnight Special was astounding.
I briefly met olivia in the foyer of a large Sydney Hotel about 15 years ago. She was leaving the hotel to get into the back of a car, & I yelled out Olivia. She turned, said that's me, smiled & waves. She was a very classy lady. RIP Olivia.
I remember this exact same concert. It was a 1982 HBO special concert and my parents taped it on our VCR. I remember my grandfather would come over for dinner once every week. He was close to 80 yo and I was about 7 yo and he would ask me to put this concert on for him every time he came over cuz he didn’t know how to work the VCR. Sometimes he’d watch the entire thing twice in a row. Ironically his name was Sam (the name of this particular song) and I was named after him. She was beautiful and an absolutely amazing talent. Literally every single song on this concert was amazing. And have you ever seen anyone make a over-the-top mullet look so beautiful?! She definitely deserves her place among the greatest pop/rock/country stars ever!!! Today’s music just doesn’t seem to have the same soul as the music of that era. She was one of the biggest international superstars of that time but sadly she seems to be under appreciated today
The emotion she uses, as well as love of the camera, knows where it is, and the combination has always made her a complete one of a kind, audioly, and visually.
Hey Fil, I have always appreciated Olivia and her songs as she developed her following over the years. I enjoyed singing along to "Have You Never Been Mellow", "Hopelessly Devoted to You", "I Honestly Love You" and of Course the Grease Album hits. Your spotlight on this performance opens my eyes to the unfathomable ability Olivia possesses quite naturally, I recall when "Sam" was a very nice hit. However, your conversation regarding how most people will "overlook" what she is doing because she makes it seem so "effortless", like just raising her hand. What a tremendous, gifted artist in her own right. The acting and dancing well that is out of the ballpark as well. Her demeanor and the class with which she comports herself in any circumstance I have ever seen her involved with, is just so graceful to behold. Such elegance, such precision, and authenticity. Thank you for opening all the doors, windows, and vents of Olivia's home of musical wonder to your audience of fellow human beings. Thanks to you, I will be revisiting Ms. John's career and library of stellar music. Michael John Moreau aka City Cowboy.
Had to stop the video to type this. Something in my eyes.. what a wonderful lady and I never tire of hearing her sing. What she is going through she doesn’t deserve.. God bless her.. 🙏❤️ Thanks, Fil..👍
Apart from the photo on the album cover, what interested me about Olivia was the early involvement of the Shadows (and John Farrar who joined Hank and Bruce to form Marvin, Welch & Farrar) in her career. Cliff Richard was also helpful. She has a very distinctive voice and does sound as if she hits those notes effortlessly. She is often dismissed and clearly shouldn't be. I appreciate the information you share, Fil. Thinking of Marvin, Welch & Farrar, I wonder if you sometime could comment on their guitar work and soaring harmonies. Actually, I'm not sure there are any decent live performances available. Too bad. Thanks.
I was a huge ONJ fan. I had posters and photos of her covering my wall in high school and waited in line to see Grease on opening day. She won a slew of American Music Awards. In your analysis, I was surprised by her range. I'd never noticed her low end and forgot that she could go as high as she did.
You should still be a huge fan. :-) Fifty years for me now, since age seven, she has been my favorite vocalist, and the longest crush I have had on any woman. Ane/Agnetha from ABBA has been a close second, almost as long.
Despite her long string of hits, most people do not realize the great vocalist she was. The world is a lesser place without her in it.
You are quite right. She was in a movie when she was young, I can’t remember the name. It was about space. But some of her harmonies in that were AMAZING. Most people don’t know.
This is the absolute truth! 🫶🏽
Olivia was the complete package. Beauty, beautiful voice, and beautiful personality. Love her to this day.
Her accuracy is off the charts and her ability to tell a story in a song is incredible......no tricks or Auto tune needed.
I agree
Me too!
But she didn't write her own songs, did she?
Her range has always left me speechless. Always wanted her to do more theatrical musicals and opera. She can make her voice sound like some many instruments
Legendary
I hope Olivia has had the chance to see and hear this analysis that so clearly validates her vocal ability. Just amazing!
:(
Who's more versatile than Olivia Newton-John? No one can touch her. She's influenced so much, but is criminally underappreciated. She was IT in the '70s through the mid-'80s. She, Streisand and Donna Summer were that era's Trinity. Every straight guy wished to date her, and every girl (and many guys) wanted to BE her. I can go on about her for hours. Once-in-a-lifetime talent that is unappreciated these days because she's a crooner rather than a belter.
EXACTLY! The best, of all time.
yeah there aren't that many soprano crooners, huh? 😎💖🙏
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Linda, Emmylou, and Joan (Baez)...
I would add Agnetha from ABBA to that list
@@Kevin-1969 She's still somehow my second favorite of all time after Olivia.
R.i.P. Olivia Newton-John. As an Aussie, it's a very sad day here. Thank you for highlighting an incredible vocal performer and incredibly wonderful person.
I was 14 years old when I saw this concert on HBO in 1982. I’m 55 years old now and I’ve been in love with her ever since! 😊
This could have been a comment by me. And many many others I imagine.
Olivia not only sings with an almost incomparable range, and control, this woman who has been my favorite singer for fifty years now, since age seven, the very first time I heard her on the radio, and the woman I have had a crush on for almost as long, sings with EMOTION. She sang and sings without auto-tune, does perfect tracks and backing vocals. There will never, ever be anyone like Olivia Newton-John, the world's sweetheart, and tremendous humanitarian. She also learned as a young woman in Australia, on television, how to use, and look at the camera, which along with her tremendous voice, beauty and emotion, instantly made much of the world instantly fall head over heels with her voice; and beauty. I will forever love Olivia, and she will always be my favorite vocalist of all time, until I am dead.
So sad that we lost her.
We will never forget this beautiful in everyway human
I see these beautiful comments written shortly before her passing and it hits me harder than expected. I love her too, her beauty, talent and voice have been my refuge from the ugliness of the world, the fact that she endured physical pain for so long proves how unfair life can be. She didn't go anywhere, she's in my heart, forever.
@@Ciclopea2 I love your post. Music often times when just listening by yourself, brings you joy you simply can't explain. Olivia's voice, music and songs have brought me such joy and happiness, still, thousands of hours, and hundreds of songs later. I love a lot of artists voices and songs/music, but Olivia just had that certain special factor in many categories. Maybe first, and foremost was the joy she brought. But for me, the beauty of her voice will always get me. Every single time. And I know darn well, it just wasn't her. She had wonderful teams if songwriters, producers, musicians, and so on. All this time, I just wished the same happiness and joy that she brought to millions, to her to be happy. Life has it's ups and downs for everyone, but the joy she continues to bring me through music and movies is infinitesimal.
So beautifully said, you nailed it
. My favorite pic is the front cover of Totally Hot.
Olivia Newton John is one of the most underrated female singers in the world. A Icon with one of the biggest hearts and a phenomenal voice.
She wasn't underated by everyone. I loved her voice from the first time I heard her back in the mid 70's. Before Grease.
She was never underrated In her day she was huge!! Everyone loved her.
Anyone that says she was underrated was not living in the 80’s. Lol.. or they were just a baby… back then
You were not even born yet back in her hey day….lol…
I wonder, where can I find these ratings you are speaking of? I'd like to double check
@@havensmm9308 There are no set metrics for comparing musical Artists, so it is false, to claim any person was underrated, which you find all over UA-cam. It's just speak for lazy people, who have no idea what else to write. In this case, Olivia sold millions, had I think about 14 Gold albums and was adored the world over. Underrated compared with whom?
I've always loved this performance of Sam, but I had no idea how impressive it also is technically!
I wonder if you could post this performance with Olivia singing almost acapella.
Parter of Olivia's talent - Making it all look so effortless.
To watch the outpouring of love and respect for Olivia since she passed away tells you what an amazing person she was and how much she was admired as a person and a performer. RIP Olivia. What a gift she was to the world.
She was first and foremost a wonderful human being and role model.
All class.
What an excellent breakdown by Fil for why everyone recognizes Olivia Newton John’s exceptional level of talent… but mostly without the depth of understanding that Fil’s explanation brings to us here. Keep the songs, the voices, and your fun and informative reviews coming, Fil! YOU ROCK!!! :D
Thanks for the kind words!
I had the privilege to meet her and her sister when she was doing a concert in Copenhagen. I was doing hair and makeup for the concert that included among others Tina Turner, Morten Harkert of A-ha fame. Olivia wanted to have her bangs shorter and I offered to cut them but she told me she had been cutting her own bangs for years, so she ended up borrowing my scissors and cutting them herself. She was very nice and down to earth, and made everyone feel like they mattered. And this was shortly after her boyfriend vanished during a fishing trip of the coast of Los Angeles and was presumed dead.
That about brought tears to my eyes. She is an amazingly talented, incredible human being. I've always thought the Xanadu soundtrack was ahead of its time. Thank you SO much for this video!
Underrated singer. There's a live show with her, ABBA and Andy Gibb here on YT. Completely amazing.
I saw that clip -they were all so amazing.
Her American TV special called "Olivia!"
With the exclamation point like the popular musical "Oliver!"
Underrated you say - Where are the stats on this?
@Haven SMM - Thanks for the BS reply, but that's all irrelevant. The word rated, generally means, graded, measured, you know, appraised. So when some Shmuck has a view of such and such a singer is underrated, I'm quick to ask, by which metric - Okay
@@havensmm9308 - Underrated is not more of a quantitative measure, it is a de facto measurement and by definition, there has to be one or more metrics, if one example is underrated, when compared with another. The statement used here is simply wrong and there is no argument about it, since there is no method to qualify the term underrated, or even under appreciated. Thanks
She has one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard!
She was greatly underrated as a singer. I always loved the way she often did that "voice crack" or "yodeling" thing with her voice (don't know the official term for that). She could sing anything. Even belt out rock songs which is something I wish she had done more of. She was amazing at her peak. Wonderful analysis.
Also, I attended that same concert in NYC and to my ears her vocals sounded even better at my show.
She’s such a beautiful person inside and out. I’ve loved her voice since I was a little girl in the 70’s. She’s rocking that mullet, too!
She's got that 'Night Court' Markie Post vibe going. And she's beautiful.
I was that little girl too (maybe 10?) playing my 45 of I Honestly Love You over, and over, and over again. Then this one and all of them that came after 😊. I knew way back then that her voice and Karen Carpenter's voice were some kind of special.
As we know she is currently battling stage 4 cancer in her early 70's. I for one am not ready for her departure. If it does happen, I will be in denial. I hope she is around with us for many more years.
So pleased you did an expert analysis of Olivia. I've been boring everyone around me for years on how technically great she is. Superb vid! Many thanks :)
I have always loved "Sam", one of my favorites by her. It is just such a great song and a great showcase for her voice. Should have been a bigger hit, but sometimes that is just the way. A nice gem for us who love good music. I was in the Air Force, 1980, just 18 and bought her Greatest Hits (early years). I used to get drunk at the NCO club (Monterey, CA - Defense Language Institute, Presidio of Monterey, studying Russian 8 hours a day, five days a week, a fantastic time in my life) go back to my dorm room and put that on my headphones in bed and just doze off to her voice singing those great old songs.
"I honestly love you" and "Sam" are my top two ONJ songs!
Absolutely gutted today...Olivia was my first boyhood crush, and I've remained in love with her. She was absolutely wonderful, on and off stage.
May she Rest in Peace.
💔😔💔😔
Longtime producer John Farrar once said Olivia was the purest vocal talents he's ever worked with! She would come into the studio and just nail it on the first take! Then she would say I could do it better and then she would! That being said... Monday, God called back one of his angels to heaven, We have all been blessed for many years with your angelic voice. your loving heart and the beauty of a Goddess among mortals. Our lives are truly better for the gift that has been bestowed upon us, Millions fell in love with you from afar and those who have had the privileged to meet you in person actually fell in love with you. You have touched our hearts, our minds and our souls and will forever hold a special place within us, Rest in peace Olivia. We will always love you.
That is so beautiful
Aw, she mesmerized everyone instantly! She always put her whole heart into her performances. I grew up watching her and singing along with her songs. I haven't heard this one in decades. I had not seen this performance. Some of the highest notes I've heard her hit. Extra points for the 80's hair!
THIS!
One of my live-in girlfriends bought me this concert on VHS cassette, as a gift back in the day. Wouldn't I live to sing a duet with her; STILL!
My musical fantasy, and they could be in their eighties, and I wouldn't care, would be to have Olivia sing in one ear, and Agnetha and Frieda from ABBA sing in the other.
What a performance, never fully appreciated her. But you left out one crucial feature, and that was the fact that she was singing a very complex melody, almost jazz-like in nature, idiosyncratic, and she nailed every note, never sounded flat. Wow. Amazing. Thanks as always.
A fabulous singer alway great singing
Tom Scott was her guest musician in that tour
It’s not really jazz. It has a country western structure.
Olivia has been always so underrated. As others have said very versatile. Thank you Fil for explaining to the world how good. I have seen her perform live a few times and she proves she is a real singer. No extra bells and whistles required. Just the beauty of her voice.
I have such admiration for Olivia! This concert not only shows what an amazing singer she is, but what a great entertainer she is, connecting with the audience, the band and the camera seemingly so effortlessly. Love her! ❤️
Watching this again RIP Dame Olivia Newton John 🥀
As you know the 1970's had a wide range musical style and sounds Olivia's soft vocal was much a part of my teen years as rock and roll was. I know she has ongoing health issues with breast cancer and back pain wishing her minimal pain as possable.
Amen.
Dude, a rock dude myself, I canNOT believe you hit any song at all from this show, to me it’s one of the greatest vocal performers EVER, front-to-back of the entire show. ONJ was DEF at her vocal peak in ‘82, I would loooove to hear you do this type of reaction to Silvery Rain and then secondly Jolene from this show. MAGIC is also SO much better and breathtaking vocally live than on record. To this day I don’t think her voice has ever been FULLY done it’s justice on a studio recording, and they all sound pretty damn good anyway! She is SO much better and full -sounding vocally live ❤️🔥🌻✌️
Groove on dude!
And yet, she's not only singing perfectly live here, I have this show on V.H S tape, she does the whole show, along with the choreography, traveling the entire stage with wardrobe changes. She was still working just as hard, being the true professional entertainer and singer she is, years later when I saw her. Back in 71 or 72, when I lived in Austria, we were taking a road trip. We were driving through Portugal, and I saw she was in the matinee/sign of this small club where she was going to perform the following night. There was no way I could convince my father and the rest of the family to get a hotel room, and catch the show the next night, so I didn't even try. Years later I took my own family to see her, sending a note and roses backstage before the show.
Dang. You picked two really great tracks from that live show, Silvery Rain and Jolene. I’d ad Falling too.
What a lyrical gymnast! She was truly one of a kind and this world will definitely notice her passing now and forever! Go sing with them angels Dame Olivia and thank you from the bottom of our ❤️!
She and Sheena Easton had 2 of the most incredible voices of the 70-90's! Mariah's got nothing on them.
Mariah claimed in an interview that her whispery voice was inspired by Olivia for whom she respected
@@samuelm.5752 Sheena has a more powerful voice than Olivia. Olivia hands down had a cleaner ethereal quality. If you listen to Sheena's early recordings, you could tell she was being marketed as an Olivia competitor. Besides having the same wardrobe designers, songs like You Do It, has Sheena singing exactly how Olivia would have sounded on that song. My biggest disappointment was MCA records pushed Sheena into the R&B sound which revitalized her career, but I was hoping for Olivia to had been pushed in that direction instead. Soul Kiss came close though.
@@samuelm.5752 I completely agree. Sheena was my go to after Olivia stopped pushing commercial pop after Soul Kiss. Sheena's The Lover In Me and What Comes Naturally albums were my wish Olivia done this stuff materials. I Need Love came in 92 and I was loving this sound. But then the illness change Olivia completely. Chemo and aged probably affected the crispness and clarity in Olivia's once pure voice. I would pick Olivia's voice over Sheena's anyday.
Puh lease Sheena Easton? Pffft. ONJ rules.
Beautiful lady with a great voice. Olivia has had so many great hits such as "I Honestly Love You", "If Not for You", "Let Me Be There", "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)", "Have You Never Been Mellow", "Hopelessly Devoted To You" & her duet with John Travolta "You're the One That I Want" & "Summer Nights" (from movie Grease).
Don't forget "Let's Get Physical "🤣
I still have my vinyl record Albums by her ! She was one of my favorite artists ! She has a soft beautiful voice .
Don't forget 'Xanadu '!
Magic is still magical after all this time!
Dagmar: thanks for reminding me of her hits that I loved. “If Not For You”. “Let Me Be There” and I do remember absolutely loving “You’re the One That I Love”.
I saw this concert with a friend on VHS in 1985. I vividly remember how emotional we felt. My friend even cried of happiness. We were in our teens - she was our idol, our muse - Xanadu was our special place. He died in 2004. Now he must be happy because Olivia is also in heaven.
OMG!! I've never been so favourably shocked in all my life listening to this. I absolutely adore Olivia and listened to her songs religiously growing up in the 70's and 80's. I was blown completely away by her range just then. I have her album with this song on it but this Live version was outstanding. ✨🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 What a pure superstar ✨🙏🏾💜💜💜🌺 Love & Miss you Olivia.
I was soo fortunate to have gone to this concert and yes she is an amazing live performer. This was a great deconstruction of her vocals
*I can't... I just can't... I just can't stop crying now when I listen to her... I miss her dearly...deeply... she meant so much to all of us... crying now as I type... Rest In Peace... a new angel was welcomed in heaven to lead choirs... Godspeed to Chloe and the the rest of her inner circle... God Bless*
Olivia is one of the best of all time and so underrrated! Beautiful and talented...
She's sold in excess of 100 million albums, of which 14 are gold - What is this underrated you speak of - Moron
She has so much variety with that lovely voice. She can do airy/mysterious like in “Magic”, emotionally tortured like here, sultry/sexy like “A Little More Love”. And her voice is so pleasingly sweet. Thanks for doing this piece on her, Fil - she has always been one of my faves😍
Always loved her voice and everything else about her. “A Little More Love” is a song I still listen to regularly.
Unmistakable, Beautiful and supremely Talented..... That's Olivia Newton John 💙
Greatly loved in Melbourne, Australia. She's been on our radar for 15 years before she did "Grease". Hope she is feeling well and living her life.
I remember when that concert was on HBO a lot, man I would catch it whenever I could. I must have seen it 50 times. It was fantastic from beginning to end-- the songs, her outfits, the hair, that beautiful voice, all on point. When I was a kid she was my idol. When Grease came out everyone used to tell me I looked just like her, it was the biggest compliment ever lol. Xanadu is still one of my favorite comfort films for sick days, cheesy as it is I still have the VHS tape AND the DVD in my tv cabinet. I had all her albums from the 70s thru the 90s; if she put one out, I bought it. Today she keeps popping up in my recommended videos and I am so saddened by her passing, she was such a beautiful and talented human being. RIP Olivia 😢
Watching all the videos of Olivia and came across this. She was a true talented powerhouse singer. Sure will miss her being here on earth. Rest In Peace.
I've been in love since I was 15. Fortunately got to see her in 2013. A dream come true. Incredible voice even then!
I fell in love with ONJ after seeing her sing this song on the midnight special. Her passion and commitment to the vocal was spellbinding. I've loved her ever since. Her voice causes chemical reactions in my brain that just feel so damn good.
I've never seen this performance with her fil or knew she demonstrate this technique she has a wonderful beautiful voice love her singing and love her voice in grease she is wonderful such a great live singer amazing performance
This was from her 1982 Physical tour video. You'll find the entire concert on UA-cam. Definitely worth checking out.
Oh ok awesome thanks for sharing this with me Aaron I'll have to check it out thanks man
@@aaronshotts6849 That is an amazing concert. I saw her concert, in the Dallas area, back in 1982. It was truly one of the best shows I have attended and there have been many.
Well thank you Fil. I think we forget about Olivia. Time has a cruel ambivalence. Being a singer myself, what she does here is insane to do in a recording session and “other worldly” to do live. No, I cannot do this even in my range, lol. But I know amazing when I hear it. Wow I never realized how good she really was.
I’ve been a fan of hers for close to 40 years. Little 9-year-old me clocked that she was an exceptional vocalist - and that she made it all look so effortless that many wouldn’t fully appreciate it - but it’s great to have a technical explanation of just how extraordinary her vocal technique actually is. Thanks for this brilliant video! 🙏
I'm right there with you bud. I always though well of her, but this concert, which i saw on HBO in 1982, instantly turned me into a huge fan. Been loving her ever since.
@@propre6033 Yes, this was the concert that hooked me, too. I had seen her in Grease, and I had seen the Let's Get Physical TV special - both of which I loved - but this just blew me away. Got her 1982 Greatest Hits compilation for my birthday in 1983, and there was no going back...
Same here!
Beautiful. I think this is my favourite song of Olivia's and I've bought her albums since the 70s. I remember her back in the day when she started out with a singing partner, Pat Carroll, who went on to marry John Farrar. I'm very sad that she left us just two days ago 😥 RIP Olivia, you will be missed 😪💖
RIP Olivia Newton-John, the ultimate. Try to find an Olivia Newton-John video that does not describe her as "angelic". But, Fil, your video here is a tremendous tribute to her as the ultimate female vocalist and I hope many people see it over the years.
I saw her at the Paris in Vegas some years back. 35 piece band. When she came out it was almost a little breathtaking. One of the finest voices and she still had some of her highest notes available.
She's been such a lovely part of the soundtrack of our lives in the US, too. Thanks for illuminating her vocal skill so well! I noticed we can't say the word "air" without a lot of air.
Such a magical singer. Great analysis ! I always thought she was a soprano. Can you be both soprano and mezzo ? Great job love !!❌❌🤘🏿🤘🏿
Thank you for bringing back Olivia into my life. You actually made me understand why I loved her singing so much in the 70’s. The best part of her performances was that my 1st wife also liked her.
She is legend. RIP Olivia ❤❤❤ from one of your fans in Indonesia
She's my idol... I wanted to be her...i Always tried to sing like Olivia even though it's impossible for me... So unique and distinctive... This was such an amazing video to confirm what we know...
She is one of those artists that
I have never really enjoyed her songs...but at the same time have always appreciated how good her voice is. Like she is amazing just not my style. Also she is a really neat person. Thanks for the analysis.
Perhaps you haven't checked out enough of her songs. She has a vast catalogue. She started in country music. I'm biased; I love all her stuff. The Xanadu soundtrack is hard not to like.
@@luvyesmusici4886 it's okay to just not like something. I loved her in Grease and think she is an amazing woman- that is enough in my book.
@@theresahoward7216 I think it's cool that you can not like Olivia, but still recognize her talent.
@@propre6033 thanks. I think a lot of the people that follow this channel like a big variety of music genres and musicians
..and can respect each other and artists even if they aren't our 'cup of tea'.
@@theresahoward7216it makes me doubt your tastes though, listening to what you say.
As a hard rock guy I never would have gave songs like this a second listen. Fil's genius lies in his ability to teach the rest of us how to hear and appreciate a song like he does. My musical world has greatly expanded because of him. I'm now an Olivia Newton John fan but don't tell anyone
It’s sad if your life is just rock. That’s pathetic.
Today, I cry for the memories and the loss of a beautiful soul and devoted mother. Respect and love forever...
Maybe the best interpretation of Sam ever... Olivia has been a Giant as Artist and Woman... One of the most important and best singers of the Contemporary Times by far... RIP Livvy!!!
I watch it today. RIP Olivia!
I am glad you did this Fil. I have always loved Olivia Newton-John. I have watched this concert many, many times. Each time I am blown away with her power, her pitch, and how she can sign about any style flawlessly. She is amazing!
Sam is one of the most beautiful song that Olivia sung !!!! I remember when I saw her in concert me and other person knew about that song !!! In fact, she asked who really knew it !!!! I was so thrilled listen her in second row !!! I love her so much !!!! Read her book, buy all her music and saw all her movies !!! Of course I have my dvd grease !!!!
Watched this video again. I always liked her music, and I've been a fan of her for a very long time. But to be honest, I was not aware of the extent of her true vocal talent. Thank you for this analysis. It does much to explain just exactly how good at her art, she really was.
Good review. She sung from the heart from situations. The best the greatest what can I say. Rip Olivia thanks what you've left making our world a better place
When I say Olivia has the voice of an Angel, I really believe if Angels do sing they would sound like exactly like Olivia Newton John. Vocally unique Olivia take you to so many different places spiritually. Also she has the uncanny ability to sing directly into the camera as if she's singing only to you in the audience. I've seen Olivia 3x in concert! Just phenomenal! She has an aurora of true authenticity 😇
Rest in peace Olivia... Superb vocalist and should be known for more than just being Sandy in Grease 👍
I’m so glad you analyzed Olivia’s singing voice. I have absolutely adored her my whole life. I really appreciate her being appreciated. Especially considering what’s going on with her now.
Olivia was and is so much more than a huge pop and country star. She was always involved with great causes. She always seemed incredibly kind and humble. She was and still is gorgeous. Then, on top of that, that crystal clear angelic voice.
I saw her in concert again about five or six years ago. I don’t know how she could still sound so amazing.
She has shown immense strength, will power, and grace in her many years battle with cancer. I wish her all the best.
Thank you again for giving her just a bit of the credit she is due.
Brilliant critique! Olivia was quite something else. Unforgettable and irreplaceable.
I'd forgotten how good ONJ was back then. Most people remember just one song "Physical", or her work in Grease, and those were far from her best work. Thanks for doing her justice. She is a great singer and person.
Thank you so much. A fan of ONJ for 48 years now. RIP Olivia.You will never be forgotten.
Olivia is such an amazing singer, thanks for the analysis..she doesn't seem to get much recognition these days.
shes a very underrated singer , sounded just like her records live
Forty years ago?! Oh man, I’m old. Olivia was EVERY guy’s heartthrob back then. You are missed, Liv. ❤️😢
Depending on how she felt on any given night, Olivia would SOAR with the highest notes on "Sam" & "Jolene"...no soundboards, etc. A pure singer - artist. God, she will be so missed. Her power & range were so much stronger than it was here in 1982. Nobody else like her. RIP to a beautiful soul.
Thank you for covering Olivia! I’d 🤍 another review of her vocals. I just learn so much from you Fil!
I agree! I would love another review of ONJ of her live performances. I too learn so much from your analysis Fil. Thank you so much!!!!
'Boats Against the Current' is another sung beautifully by her. Please Fil, do an analysis of that song 🎵.
Always loved her talent since the 70’s
I appreciate when you explain whatever technique a singer is utilizing because it helps me understand why I had to practice so much as a kid, trying to imitate the voices I heard on the radio. One of my happiest moments was finally being able to hit the ending note of, "Hopelessly Devoted to You."
I had no vocal training until I was in my 20s, so everything I did until that point was basically self taught. I actually ruined my voice due to bad technique. I lost my voice entirely (singing and speaking!) for about a year. It wasn't until after many medical tests ruled out anything like growths/cancer that I found a wonderful voice teacher. He helped me unlearn bad habits, establish correct ones, and get my voice back, better than ever.
I found your comment very interesting and I enjoyed it because it had a good ending and I am very pleased for you
@@lydiabentley3413 Thank you, I appreciate it!
@@Yesica1993 you are welcome
Fil, another great analysis of our darling Olivia. Many have commented on her genius in a variety of musical genres. This is a pretty complex piece, and her voice takes us effortlessly through it.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! What an awesome analysis of one of my favourite songs sung by Olivia and you have done such a wonderful appreciation of her talent and awe-inspiring voice! 🥰
While I agree that her technical skill were brilliant, and very much underrated, it’s her passion that pulled on our heartstrings.
She is very underrated for her voice. She was one of my first crushes as a little boy. My dad listened to country music and that’s how I first heard her. I know she got more famous for her pop style songs, but her ballads are incredible. Hopelessly Devoted to You is my favorite ballad of hers. The live performance I believe on Midnight Special was astounding.
Always liked this song.
So sad to hear of Olivia's passing. She was just wonderful, and losing her and Judith Durham within a few days of each other really hits me.
Such beautiful effortless air and so much control
You've opened my ears to how great Oliva was.
I attended this concert back in 1982! Amazing show!!!
I briefly met olivia in the foyer of a large Sydney Hotel about 15 years ago. She was leaving the hotel to get into the back of a car, & I yelled out Olivia. She turned, said that's me, smiled & waves. She was a very classy lady. RIP Olivia.
,jellybeans, feels mariah carey has greater rang ,and control than olivia nrwyon john
She needs to watch this analysis of olivias brilliant range and control,olivia is far superior rip olivia newton john
And now she is gone. Lovely tribute from you, Fil!
I remember this exact same concert. It was a 1982 HBO special concert and my parents taped it on our VCR. I remember my grandfather would come over for dinner once every week. He was close to 80 yo and I was about 7 yo and he would ask me to put this concert on for him every time he came over cuz he didn’t know how to work the VCR. Sometimes he’d watch the entire thing twice in a row. Ironically his name was Sam (the name of this particular song) and I was named after him. She was beautiful and an absolutely amazing talent. Literally every single song on this concert was amazing. And have you ever seen anyone make a over-the-top mullet look so beautiful?! She definitely deserves her place among the greatest pop/rock/country stars ever!!! Today’s music just doesn’t seem to have the same soul as the music of that era. She was one of the biggest international superstars of that time but sadly she seems to be under appreciated today
Lovely memory. I miss my grandparents so much. Now I miss Olivia so much. My childhood died.
Gorgeous person! Gorgeous voice! Breathtaking all the way 'round.
A true gift to this world.
This was great, Fil, because I was thought of Olivia as being a lightweight in terms of a singer. So I’m glad you are showing her incredible skills.
I have always found her quite amazing and not just for her beauty! Her voice is truly as beautiful as she is..
The emotion she uses, as well as love of the camera, knows where it is, and the combination has always made her a complete one of a kind, audioly, and visually.
Loving the little grin Fil always has while listening to the performances. He knows just how good the artists truly are!
It's beautiful.
Hey Fil, I have always appreciated Olivia and her songs as she developed her following over the years. I enjoyed singing along to "Have You Never Been Mellow", "Hopelessly Devoted to You", "I Honestly Love You" and of Course the Grease Album hits. Your spotlight on this performance opens my eyes to the unfathomable ability Olivia possesses quite naturally, I recall when "Sam" was a very nice hit. However, your conversation regarding how most people will "overlook" what she is doing because she makes it seem so "effortless", like just raising her hand. What a tremendous, gifted artist in her own right. The acting and dancing well that is out of the ballpark as well. Her demeanor and the class with which she comports herself in any circumstance I have ever seen her involved with, is just so graceful to behold. Such elegance, such precision, and authenticity. Thank you for opening all the doors, windows, and vents of Olivia's home of musical wonder to your audience of fellow human beings. Thanks to you, I will be revisiting Ms. John's career and library of stellar music. Michael John Moreau aka City Cowboy.
Had to stop the video to type this. Something in my eyes.. what a wonderful lady and I never tire of hearing her sing. What she is going through she doesn’t deserve.. God bless her.. 🙏❤️ Thanks, Fil..👍
RIP Olivia, you made a difference here, I hope your are making a difference over the Rainbow.
Brilliant analysis of ONJ's vocals. Thank you for this!
This song and the artful way Olivia sang it is a performance of aching melancholy longing. She told the story of the lyrics beautifully.
Apart from the photo on the album cover, what interested me about Olivia was the early involvement of the Shadows (and John Farrar who joined Hank and Bruce to form Marvin, Welch & Farrar) in her career. Cliff Richard was also helpful. She has a very distinctive voice and does sound as if she hits those notes effortlessly. She is often dismissed and clearly shouldn't be. I appreciate the information you share, Fil. Thinking of Marvin, Welch & Farrar, I wonder if you sometime could comment on their guitar work and soaring harmonies. Actually, I'm not sure there are any decent live performances available. Too bad. Thanks.
I was a huge ONJ fan. I had posters and photos of her covering my wall in high school and waited in line to see Grease on opening day. She won a slew of American Music Awards.
In your analysis, I was surprised by her range. I'd never noticed her low end and forgot that she could go as high as she did.
You should still be a huge fan. :-)
Fifty years for me now, since age seven, she has been my favorite vocalist, and the longest crush I have had on any woman. Ane/Agnetha from ABBA has been a close second, almost as long.